Rodents
highRodentia
Behavior & Habits
Rodents, primarily rats and mice, are characterized by their gnawing behaviour due to continuously growing incisor teeth. They are largely nocturnal, meaning they are most active between dusk and dawn, though they may be seen during the day if populations are large or food sources are scarce. They are exploratory but have poor eyesight, relying heavily on their highly developed senses of smell, hearing, and touch (using their whiskers). They follow established routes, often along walls or objects, leaving behind droppings and grease marks (smudge marks) from the oils on their fur. They are also prolific breeders, leading to rapid infestations.
Habitat & Signs
Rodents thrive in areas that offer shelter, food, and water. Indoors, their primary habitats are hidden, dark, and secluded areas, such as wall voids, ceiling spaces, under floors, basements, and cluttered storage areas. Outdoors, they nest in burrows, under dense vegetation, woodpiles, or near garbage bins and dumpsters. They commonly enter structures through small gaps, damaged vents, utility line openings, and poorly sealed doorways, especially in commercial food establishments, warehouses, and residential areas close to open drainage.
Prevention & Control
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your property and seal all cracks, crevices, and gaps (even small holes $1/4$ inch for mice and $1/2$ inch for rats) in foundations, walls, and utility pipe entry points using materials like steel wool, wire mesh, or cement.
- Remove Food Sources: Store all human and pet food in sealed, hard-plastic, or metal containers. Clean up spills immediately and ensure garbage bins have tightly fitting lids and are regularly emptied.
- Reduce Clutter: Eliminate potential nesting sites by clearing clutter from storage areas, basements, and garages. Keep the yard clean, trimming back overgrown shrubs and keeping woodpiles elevated and away from the building structure.
- Manage Water: Fix leaky pipes and taps, and ensure drainage is clear to remove potential water sources.
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