Probably most people when they hear the word “rodent,” a mouse or rat comes to mind. And while those are included in the rodent family, the Oxford dictionary definition is a bit broader. They include, just to name a few: squirrels, hamsters, porcupines, chipmunks, and even rabbits. The defining characteristics found in all rodents are strong constantly growing incisors and no canine teeth. However you define a rodent, one thing is certain, you don’t want them around your home, children or pets.
Health Risks
Many rodents especially the ones trying to find ways into your home are major disease carriers. James Childs of the John Hopkins Medical Center infectious disease department studied rats in Baltimore, Maryland and determined over two thirds were infected with hantavirus, a potentially fatal disease that also causes chronic kidney disease as well as kidney failure in humans. Childs, working with researchers across the United States, discovered the same high rates of hantavirus infection among rats in other major cities.
Being bitten by a rat can cause rat-bite fever. The bacteria E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium difficile can easily be spread by food and water being contaminated by rodent droppings. In some cases these bacteria lead to life-threatening gastroenteritis.
Property Damage
Rodents are prolific chewers and will cause major damage over time. From destroying drywall to HVAC ductwork, structural support beams to PVC water pipes, rodents also may eventually gnaw their way through aluminum siding and even lead sheathing and concrete. And that’s just outside or underneath your home! Just imagine the damage once they get inside…bedding, flooring, furniture…you name it and they can demolish it. Rodents often chew through electrical wiring creating a potential fire hazard. Usually hidden inside walls, an attic, or around the floor joists underneath your home, these exposed wires can overheat and smolder undetected before igniting and causing major damage.
Think setting a trap or spreading rodenticide is the best solution for your rodent problem? You may want to rethink that decision. The last thing you want is for a rodent to die under your home or inside your walls. With Scout’s Pest Control on the job we work hard to eradicate the reasons rodents might be attracted to your home and yard. One of our experienced professional technicians will do a detailed inspection, identify the rodent species causing the problem, and provide both exclusion and sanitation suggestions such as sealing up exterior cracks and holes, trimming back vegetation surrounding the foundation, removing open bags and bowls of pet food, and correcting the cause of any standing water. Then if necessary we will set out actively monitored bait stations as well as schedule ongoing rodent and pest maintenance. Please call Scout’s today at 864-469-4999 for additional information.
