Rodents include many small, furry animals in our area. These include mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, beavers, groundhogs, and  voles. Mice and rats are the main problem rodent pests. Squirrels often find human structures attractive places to live if they can get in. Chipmunks and other rodents occasionally get into human structures by accident. Rats and mice have plagued the human race for centuries. The sight of a rat will panic men, women, and children. Less obvious is what they leave behind, but that can be far more dangerous. We all know how millions have perished because of the plague, which spread like wild fire due to rats. This same plague is still here. In North America several people a year will still get infected. Modern technology has so far prevented this from turning into another disaster, however the potential is still there.

The main pest rodents in our area are mice, rats, and squirrels.

In our area, rodents are a nuisance, but because of modern health methods, are less dangerous as carriers of disease than in other areas of the country. However, they contaminate property and food with their droppings and destroy objects by gnawing. Some seem to have a fondness for chewing on electrical wires and this can be a cause of electrical outages and fire.

Rats and mice often enter homes looking for food and shelter. They are more likely to do so in the fall and winter. Where possible, blocking entry points before the winter is effective. A thorough inspection will often point out simple changes or repairs that may be required. These changes may well cause enough stress for rodents to go elsewhere.

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Mice

Mice are the most common rodent found in our area in houses and commercial buildings. The main species is the common house mouse, but field mice occasionally come inside in winter.

Mice are usually first noticed in the kitchen, where you may find their droppings. They tend to nibble and damage several different types of packaged foods. Mice are great climbers, and will often follow water and drain pipes as well as electrical conduit and wiring. They will use almost anything they can gnaw to build their nest such as paper, labels from jars and canned goods, fabrics, etc. Nests have been found in the bottom of boots and shoes. Sometimes, mice are suspected because of noises in the walls.

Once mice have become established, several methods are available to eliminate them. It is always helpful to eliminate clutter and to close up entry holes. Mice can come in through surprisingly small holes but these can effectively be sealed. However, especially in older structures, new entry holes can appear so a yearly inspection is a good idea. Mice often get in through poorly fitted garage doors and other such spaces. They often travel along pipe pipe conduits and these conduits can be sealed so that there is no room for the mouse to pass.

Although it is possible to eliminate mice without a professional, it is a good idea to work with a professional who knows mouse habits and can both correct immediate problems and point out preventative measures unique to your situation. In addition, there are several methods to eliminate mice including various traps and bait stations. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and your pest control professional can work with you to choose a method that is the best fit for your situation.

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Rats

Rats are usually noticed first in the basement, or you may hear them in the attic. Their droppings are much larger and more obvious than those of mice. Two different species of Rats occur locally, the Norway rat and the Roof rat. The latter has become much more prevalent in the past few years. The Roof rat prefers the attic areas and the Norway rat prefers the basements. They will readily live in either location if food and shelter is available.

Rats are great climbers and jumpers and they will travel up any rough surface, inside or outside vertical pipes, walk along tree branches and electrical or telephone wires. They tend to gnaw on almost anything including lead or sheet metal.

In our area, rats are less common than mice in private dwellings, but are often found in buildings that are near streams and other water.

Rats are controlled with methods similar to those used for mice.

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Squirrels

Two types of squirrels are common pests in our area. The gray squirrel usually nests in trees, but is happy to come into human structures to nest. An essential element in squirrel control is to close up the openings they come in through. Squirrels can climb well, and often use trees as ladders to get onto roofs, where they find holes leading to attics and voids. Trees should be trimmed so that the branches are well away from the structure. Chimneys should be capped with mesh to prevent that entry route.

Flying squirrels (which actually glide using loose skin stretched between front and back legs) are more common intruders than most people realize. They are controlled with the same methods as the gray squirrel.

Squirrels can inflict painful bites, and removal should be done by a professional, who will also advise about what is needed to prevent future invasions. Marlboro Pest Control is experienced at squirrel control and can also do necessary repair work if desired.

Summary | Mice | Rats | Squirrels | Top of Page | Pest Guide