Rodents

Identification

Norway Rat Found everywhere in the US. Eats almost any human food. Needs water daily to survive. Usually nests in basements or lower portions of buildings. Usually grayish-brown, but color may vary. Completely black Norways are common. Also called: wharf, sewer, brown, common, barn, water and gray.

Roof Rat Found in warmer climates, along the Pacific coast, Hawaii and along the lower half of the US throughout the Gulf states. Eats seeds, fruits vegetables, grains and eggs. Water is not essential if food is high in moisture. Usually nests in upper portions of buildings. From black to brownish-gray in color, the underside varies from gray to white. Also called: alex, black, fruit and ship.

House Mouse Found everywhere in the US. Are omnivores. Can be found from below ground level to upper stories of skyscrapers. Generally grayish-brown above and light cream below. Large ears and a semi-naked tail that is longer than their head and bodies combined. Also called: common or domestic house mouse.

HABITS AND LIFE CYCLE Rats explore their territory of 100 to 300 feet daily. Rats are extremely cautious about changes in their territory. It takes several days before rats will accept a new object as part of their environment. Rats reproduce year-round in stable environments that have adequate food, water, and harborage to support additional animals. About 30% of females may be pregnant throughout the year in these conditions. Less favorable conditions limit reproduction to summer and autumn. Rats are color blind. The average life span of wild rats is one year. Rats visit fewer food sites than mice. However, rats eat much more at each site than mice

A house mouse's home range is rather limited, ranging approximately 10- 30 feet. Mice are extremely curious and will explore their territory daily and any new object introduced into their home range. Prolific breeders, house mice will produce offspring year-round under ideal conditions. Mice are also color blind and can recognize objects that are 10 feet and closer. Mice have an average life span of one year. They frequent many feeding sites during their activity period, sampling a small amount of food from each site.

THE TROUBLE WITH RODENTS

• Rodents spread a wide variety of diseases, including salmonellosis, plague leptospirosis, hantavirus and rickettsial pox.
• Rodents consume and contaminate significant percentage of the world's food supply every year.
• Rodents carry fleas and other ectoparasites into buildings.
• Rodents cause a great deal of anxiety for occupants of infested buildings.
• Rodents cause extensive economic damage by gnawing on structures and wiring causing fires.

EVIDENCE OF RODENT INFESTATION You may notice droppings and urine where the rodents have been, footprints or trails made by their tails in dusty corners, and gnawed or damaged wood in your home.

RODENT CONTROL A rodent control expert learns about rodent behavior then uses that knowledge to select control tools and techniques. Complete rodent control includes:

• Inspection of infested property
• Sanitation
• Rodent Proofing
• Trapping
• Baiting

You can help to get the best results by:

• Removing debris from buildings and grounds
• Cleaning food debris and spillage daily
• Trimming grass and weeds to minimize food sources around the premises
• Fixing leaks and cleaning up standing water to deny rodents access to water
• Storing products neatly, off the floor and away from walls to make inspection and sanitation easier.