Rodents

What Are Rodents?

Rodents in our area include mice, rats, and voles. Most people are familiar with mice and rats, but here are some traits to keep in mind:

• Mice are smaller than rats.
• Mice have large ears, while rats have smaller ones.
• Mice have thin tails covered in hair, and rats have thick, hairless tails.

Voles, on the other hand, you may not know much about because they live mostly underground. They are usually brown or gray and look similar to mice but are stockier.

Are Rodents Dangerous?

Mice and rats are some of the most dangerous pests that can infest your property. Here's why:

• They carry parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks.
• They spread diseases including, but not limited to, hantavirus, rabies, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis.
• They cause contamination with saliva and waste.
• They can lead to fire and flood hazards when they chew on wires and pipes.

Voles are not dangerous, but they can cause costly damage in your yard as they tunnel, ruining trees and landscaping.

Why Do I Have a Rodent Problem?

The main reason rodents are attracted to a property is accessible food. Some of the ways you might supply food to rodents include:

• Bird feeders
• Fallen fruit 
• Garbage cans without lids
• Pet food
• Crumbs 
• Food stored in unsealed containers

In addition, an overgrown or cluttered yard can supply rodents, including voles, with hiding places.

Where Will I Find Rodents?

While mice and rats usually squeeze through tiny cracks to infiltrate homes and other buildings, voles stay outside. Because they live underground, you might not see voles but may notice small holes where they are tunneling.

The most common place to find rodents in your home is the kitchen because that is where they are likely to find the most food options, but they might also be in the garage, basement, and crawl space, traveling through wall voids.

How Do I Get Rid of Rodents?

No matter what kind of rodent you are dealing with, the best what to get rid of them is with expert assistance. Rodents are tricky and vary depending on the species, so having someone knowledgeable about these pests will give you the best control results.

At Compass Pest Management, we perform rodent exclusion in Riverside to help keep these pests out. First, we perform an inspection to identify entry points and evidence of activity; once we know what kind of rodent is causing problems, we will present you with control options. To find out more about our Riverside rodent control services, call us at Compass Pest Management. 

How Can I Prevent Rodents in the Future?

You don't have to wait for rodents to become a problem to take action. Using the following prevention tips, you can make your property less attractive and conducive to these pests.

Remove food:

• Store food in airtight containers.
• Use garbage cans with a lid that fits.
• Pick up fallen fruit and remove bird feeders.
• Don't leave pet food out.
• Clean up kitchens and eating areas to get rid of crumbs.

Remove entry points:

• Check the exterior of your home for cracks or holes.
• Use steel wool and caulk to fill any openings you find. 
• Replace damaged screens and install vent covers.

Remove harborage areas:

• Keep your lawn cut short.
• Trim bushes and foliage. 
• Remove organic debris like leaf litter.

Contact Compass Pest Management for more home rodent prevention tips and information about common area rodents.