About Rodents
When we talk about rodents, we typically refer to rats and mice, but this group can also include squirrels, marsh rabbits, and the Florida Bog Lemming. These pervasive year-round pests are well known for infiltrating homes with their relentless quest for food and shelter. Through gnawing and nesting behaviors, rodents can contaminate food supplies and cause significant property damage. Their presence poses health risks as they spread diseases and parasites, making effective control and prevention measures essential for maintaining a safe and sanitary living environment.
What Do Rodents Look Like?
Depending on the species, about 15 or so here in Florida alone, rodents range in size from a few inches to many feet and from one ounce to 150 pounds. Their unifying feature is their teeth: sharp, curved incisors optimized for gnawing and chewing. These incisors never stop growing, so rodents must continuously find ways to wear them down. Rats and mice can have six bites each second and gnaw through concrete and metal. Rodents generally have highly developed senses of vision, smell, and hearing. Some also have whiskers that are used to enhance their ability to feel their surroundings.
Common rodents like rats and mice have a maximum lifespan of 5 years, while marmots, chinchillas, and chipmunks may live 10-15 years. A mouse can produce more than 50 offspring annually and become pregnant again just 24 hours after giving birth.
What are the unique characteristics of rodents?
Rodents' traits vary widely based on type, locale, and size. However, most can swim; rats can tread water for up to three days! Rodents are also good jumpers, climbers, and burrowers. Mice can contort their bodies to squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
Rodents are also smart creatures. For example, rats can be trained to perform tricks, and mice can remember their paths.
What are the habits of rodents?
Rodents can be herbivores (eating plant-based diets), predators (seeking out insects and other animals), or omnivores (eating almost anything). Common rodents like rats and mice will eat paper, wiring, drywall, wood, and human and pet food.
Rodents can be active both day and night. Rats and mice are generally nocturnal, avoiding people, while squirrels are prevalent in the daytime.
Where are rodents commonly found?
Rodents can live outside in underground burrows, trees, crevices between rocks, and vegetation. They may also take up residence inside homes and other structures. They are mammals, which means they will seek warmth when temperatures are low, but they can also hang out in Florida marshes and show up when you least expect it!
What are the risks of a rodent infestation?
Non-domesticated rodents can pose a risk to people and pets. Rats and mice transmit at least 35 diseases, including Lyme Disease, salmonella, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever. Rodents can also be destructive to property and, if provoked, attack animals and humans.
DIY methods of rodent control
Do-it-yourself baits and traps may attract rodent intruders. However, they can also harm people and pets if not properly administered. A pest control professional can evaluate your property to determine how to prevent pests and treat pesky rodents.
Prevention
Rodents are most harmful when they find their way into your home. Preventative measures you can take to keep your home free of rodents include:
- Blocking potential entry and exit points
- Keeping your home and its surroundings clean
- Storing food in an airtight container
- Removing clutter and debris
- Pruning trees and shrubs away from your home