Information

Rats & Mice: Fast Facts and How to Keep Them Out

Why Rodents Are a Problem

Rats and mice are more than just a nuisance — they’re destructive pests that can damage property, contaminate food, and spread disease. Once inside, they multiply quickly and become harder to control.

Common Rodents in Homes and Businesses

House Mouse

  • Small (2.5–4 inches), gray or brown.

  • Excellent climbers, can squeeze through openings as small as a dime.

  • Typically nests in walls, attics, or behind appliances.

Norway Rat (Brown Rat)

  • Larger (up to 10 inches), with a heavy body and blunt nose.

  • Burrows in soil, basements, and crawlspaces.

  • Known to gnaw through wood, plastic, and even wiring.

Roof Rat (Black Rat)

  • Sleek body, long tail, excellent climber.

  • Often nests in attics, ceilings, and trees.

  • Common in coastal and southern regions.

Why Rodents Are Dangerous

  • Health Risks: Can spread diseases like salmonella, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever.

  • Property Damage: Chew wires, insulation, drywall, and wood — increasing fire risks.

  • Food Contamination: Leave droppings and urine in pantries, kitchens, and food storage areas.

  • Rapid Reproduction: A pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in a single year.

Rodent Control and Prevention

1. Seal Entry Points

  • Close gaps around pipes, vents, doors, and windows.

  • Use steel wool, metal mesh, or heavy-duty sealants — rodents chew through foam and plastic.

2. Eliminate Food & Water Sources

  • Store food in rodent-proof containers.

  • Clean up spills and crumbs promptly.

  • Fix leaks and reduce water access.

3. Declutter and Sanitize

  • Remove nesting materials (paper, fabric, cardboard).

  • Keep garages, basements, and storage areas clean and organized.

4. Use Traps and Baits Wisely

  • Snap traps or bait stations can be effective.

  • Position along walls and known rodent paths.

  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.

5. Professional Rodent Control

  • Experts can inspect, identify nesting sites, and implement a safe, long-term control plan.

  • Includes exclusion work, sanitation advice, and ongoing monitoring.

 Quick Fact

Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter — and mice only need a hole the size of a dime.

 Suspect Rodents? Don’t Wait.

Rodents can go unnoticed until damage is already done. Contact us today for fast, effective rodent inspection and control.