Pests, such as rats and mice, can cause a lot of damage to the home, and they may pose a health hazard by carrying diseases and contaminating food. On top of that, rats and mice chew through walls and electrical wires, creating fire hazards. They can also destroy the insulation in the attic or ceiling space of your house, which will make your home less energy-efficient.

Pest control is an effective way to prevent these pests from damaging your home and posing a health risk to you and your family. There are various types of pest control methods that can be used in the home, such as poisons and mechanical traps.

Rats vs mice: what’s the difference?

The first major difference between the two species is the size. Rats are quite large, being able to reach 20 inches in length when you include the tail, and mice are very tiny, usually reaching about six to eight inches when the tail is included. Rats also have a very large body when compared to their heads, while mice seem to have a more proportional build.

Differences during infestation

When it comes to the infestation itself, the best way to tell the two species apart is by the droppings that they leave behind. Mouse droppings are tiny, and they do not have a definite shape, while rat droppings are noticeably larger, and they look like black rice.

The signs of rat and mouse infestations

If there is a rodent infestation in your home, you may notice the following sings:

• damage to wiring
• foul odors
• droppings and urine stains
• chew marks on various surfaces

There are several prevention methods that you can employ. Rodents do not like the smell of peppermint, so placing some around the foundation of your house is an effective deterrent. Placing mothballs near your home will also repel rats. You then want to deny them food sources by keeping your food sealed and your garbage cans covered with a lid. Finally, you want to seal up any openings wider than a pencil, because rats and mice can use them to gain entry. These openings can be found in exterior walls and where plumbing and wiring enter the home.

Getting rid of a rodent infestation

Rodent infestations, whether you are dealing with rats or mice, can be quite tough to remove, especially when the rodents grow in numbers. If you have such an infestation, get in touch with us today, and we will help you get rid of it.

Tags: Rat Control, Rat Exterminator, Rodent Control, Rodent Exterminator