Rodents are mammals grouped together because of their teeth. Every rodent, from the tiniest mouse to the biggest capybara, has shart front incisors that grow throughout their lives. Mice and rats are two of the most common types of rodents that people are familiar with. Unfortunately, several species of each have developed a close relationship with people.
Keeping these pests away from your Boerne property is vital for several reasons: rodents are destructive; they spread illnesses, and their presence makes people wary of being in their homes. Read here to learn helpful information about rodents and rodent control in Boerne. Covenant Pest Control is here to help you guard your home and family against rodents.
Common Rodent Species: Identifying Different Types Of Rodents
Learning a bit about the most common types of rodents in Boerne that invade our homes and properties is crucial in identifying the rodents present and ensuring proper treatment is completed.
House mice are the most common rodent species to get into homes nationwide. Their small size, curiosity, and intelligence allow them to move in and out of houses and other structures easily. These mice have oval bodies, triangular heads, and pointed noses.
Field mice are another small rodent; they prefer to live outside in rural areas like fields, wooded areas, parks, and grassy yards. Though field mice can get into our homes, they are more likely to be an issue in outdoor spaces.
Adult Norway rats are much larger than field or house mice. They have blunt noses; short, thick, scaley tails; and small ears relative to their head size. These heavy-bodied rodents prefer to live at ground level.
Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats and covered in sleek black hair. Their tails are longer than their bodies. They are a very agile rat species and prefer to live off the ground. These rodents typically enter structures at the roof level.
Rodent Dangers: Health Risks And Property Damage
When rodents find their way to our properties to utilize the food, water, and shelter they offer, they are more than an inconvenience. They pose multiple dangers, including health risks and property damage. Both rats and mice carry and spread many bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, leading to illnesses like salmonellosis, tularemia, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. They spread disease through contact with surfaces, urine, excrement, and saliva.
Unfortunately, rodent infestations are more than a health risk. They are destructive pests, and using their sharp front incisors, mice, and rats will damage wires, cables, vents, cabinets, furniture, and other structural elements and personal property.
Proactive Rodent Control: Preventing Infestations Before They Begin
Use the following tips to help prevent Texas rodents from being attracted to your property and becoming comfortable in and around your home:
- Maintain a clean environment. Remove excess clutter and debris inside and outside your home.
- Eliminate easy access to food. Place locking lids on trash cans, regularly harvest gardens and fruit trees and remove bird feeders from near your home.
- Clean your home regularly. Wash dirty dishes daily and remove trash daily. Vacuum floors and wipe down counters regularly to remove crumbs and spills.
Keep rodents out of your home by regularly inspecting its exterior. Seal cracks in the foundation, repair siding and roof shingles, and ensure caps on chimneys and screens in windows and doors are secure. It is also essential to make sure door sweeps and weatherstripping are intact.
Professional Rodent Control: The Best Way To Keep Mice And Rats Away
The best way to keep mice and rats away from your Boerne home is with the assistance of a reliable pest control professional. Getting rid of these pests requires the knowledge and experience of a professional.
At Covenant Pest Control, we have been solving pest problems for more than 60 years. We provide the rodent control near you that you can count on to be effective. You can trust our pest management solutions to eliminate your current rodent concerns and help you avoid future issues with these and other common household pests.