Rodent Rundown: Keeping These Dangerous Pests Away From Your Pasadena Property

There are three common pest rodents in Pasadena, Maryland. Can you name them? Did you guess: Rats, mice, and squirrels? If so, you hit the nail right on the head. These are the troublemakers. They come into our yards, damage plants, dig holes, gnaw on building materials, and spread diseases. Join us as we give you a quick rundown of each of these rodents and share with you what you need to know most about them. Then, we'll look at effective rodent control and how to keep rodents out of your home after they're gone. As always, if you have questions about pest control in Pasadena, or you'd like to schedule service for your home, reach out to us at any time. We're here to help. Now, let's take a look at those rodents!

Common Rodent Species: Identifying Different Types Of Rodents

When rats, mice, and squirrels enter your yard, how do you keep those backyard rodents from becoming indoor pests? The secret is knowledge—well, knowledge and a little elbow grease—but mostly knowledge. Let's look at the common rodent pests of Pasadena and what they do on your property.

Mice:

There are a few common mice in our region. The two you should know about are house mice and deer mice. House mice have a dark gray coat with a white underbelly. Deer mice have the tawny coloration of a deer on top and white on the underside. The difference between these two mice is that house mice prefer to live indoors and deer mice tend to infest exterior structures such as sheds and barns. Both of these mice are tiny rodents that can squeeze through gaps that are less than half an inch in diameter. When they get inside, mice can live on crumbs. But they don't even need to find a crumb in your home. They can feed on seeds and other natural food sources just outside your home.  

Rats:

There are two common rats in our region. Norway rats are brown rats that burrow in the ground and hide under sheds. Roof rats are black rats that climb trees, get onto roofs, and invade attics. Both of these rats can invade your home. When they do, they're going to search for robust food sources, like dried pet food, meats, and cheeses. They often get into trash to find a meal. They'll also dine on mice as needed. A mouse infestation can give rise to a rat infestation. But you'll never have both infesting your home at the same time. Rats are big rodents that can use a gap as thin as the width of a quarter to enter your home.

Squirrels:

The common squirrels in our region are tree squirrels. You see them exploring your backyard, climbing up trees, and running along power lines. If you're not familiar with squirrels, they are the rodents with the bushy tails. They're also the only rodents on this list that are active during the day. If squirrels invade your home, they'll likely stay in your attic. They don't tend to explore every level of a home the way a rat or mouse will.  

As you can see, each of these rodents is somewhat different. Understanding differences can help you with your efforts to control them. We will look at rodent control in a moment. First, let's turn our attention to the potential dangers of having rodents invade.

When rats, mice, or squirrels get into your home, even if it is just in your attic, they can cause a lot of trouble. Even a tiny mouse can be a big problem. The reason rodents present a danger to health and property is linked to their behavior patterns.

• Rodents often find a meal in garbage cans. In unsanitary places, they pick up harmful bacteria associated with stomach illness.
• Rats and certain mice can get into sewers, making them even more unsanitary. In these places, they pick up bacteria and disease pathogens.
• Rodents have long incisors that continually grow. Rats, mice, and squirrels must file these teeth down. One way they do this is by gnawing on things. Their gnawing behavior can bring them into your home. It can also cause them to accidentally damage your home and the belongings inside.
• Rodents are expert climbers and will go up and down through wall voids. As they move about, they gnaw on wood and wires. If a wire is cut, it can spark a house fire.
• Rodents are wild animals. They are not trained to go outside to do their business. Inside your attic, wall voids, pantry, and kitchen cabinets, they can leave their droppings. These are a source of illness.
• In nature, rodents pick up ticks and fleas. When they enter your home, they bring these parasites in with them. Ticks and fleas are associated with a long list of diseases.

In light of the many ways rats, mice, and sometimes squirrels, can impact your health and damage your property, it is best to get professional rodent pest control when these animals invade. Let's take a look at why professional rodent control is the best and safest way to deal with an infestation.