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What Are Rodents?

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Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that have been around for over 65 million years. They include mice, rats, squirrels, beavers, chipmunks, and many more. Rodents have adapted to live in almost every habitat on Earth, from forests and grasslands to deserts and even urban areas. Most rodents have distinctive physical characteristics, such as long incisors that continuously grow. These sharp teeth allow them to gnaw at hard surfaces like wood or seeds, enabling them to find food sources.

Why Are Rodents Dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous for a variety of reasons. First, they can carry and spread diseases, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, that can transmit many illnesses, from plague to Hantavirus. Second, their constant chewing on wires and other materials in homes can lead to fires or even electrocution if the wiring is unsafe. Third, rodents love scavenging for food and often contaminate it with their droppings or saliva, which can cause serious food-borne illnesses. Finally, they can damage property by gnawing through walls or furniture for food or nesting material.

Why Do I Have a Rodent Problem?

Rodent infestations occur for a number of reasons. The primary cause is the presence of food sources, such as spilled bird seed or pet food, or other organic matter, which attracts and sustains rodents. Rodents also seek shelter from predators, so clutter and debris around your home can provide them with hiding places. Poor sanitation practices like leaving garbage unsecured can contribute to rodent infestations. Once inside, they will find plenty of places to nest and reproduce, leading to an infestation before one is aware of it.

Where Will I Find Rodents?

Rodents like mice and rats can be found in nearly every home. They can often hide in dark, secluded places such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. They may also enter homes through gaps or holes in the foundation or walls or even windows that are left open. Rodents might also be outside the house near woodpiles, compost piles, and other areas with access to food and shelter. To help identify if rodents have infested your home, look for signs of gnawing on furniture, droppings (usually black or brown), burrows around the foundation of buildings, and rub marks along baseboards where their fur has left a greasy residue.
How Do I Get Rid of Rodents?

Kansas City Pest Control is experienced in safely and effectively dealing with rodent infestations. Our professionals utilize various methods, including trapping, baiting, exclusion, sanitation, and habitat modification, to get rid of rodents. Trapping is one of the most commonly used methods by professionals to capture and remove rodents quickly and efficiently. Baiting involves placing food-based bait, such as poison pellets or blocks, in areas where rodents have been seen or are likely to travel. Exclusion is done by sealing openings outside buildings that could give the rodents access. Sanitation measures focus on reducing attractive nesting sites for pests by cleaning up inside and outside the building. Finally, habitat modification seeks to change conditions within a space to make it less appealing to rodents.

How Do I Prevent Rodent Infestations in the Future?
First, keep all food sources securely stored. Keep edible items in airtight containers to reduce the chance of rodents gaining access. Additionally, clean up any spills immediately, and vacuum regularly to eliminate crumbs that may attract rodents. Second, make sure your home is sealed tightly against potential entry points for rodents. Check your basement, attic, and any other places where there may be an opening in the building. If you find any gaps or cracks that mice can get into, seal them with caulk or steel wool. Third, use traps to catch any existing rodents in your home. Traps should be placed where rodent activity is most likely to occur, such as near food sources and entry points. If you have pets, ensure the traps are out of their reach, so they do not get injured.

Contact us today to learn more about our services. We look forward to helping you keep your property safe and free of unwanted pests!

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