Rodents

Types

norway rat

Norway Rat

Size: Weighs up to 500g

Characteristics: Stub nose, small ears and eyes

Physical: Not very agile, but can swim well

Eating Habit: Drinks water or eats food with high water content

Sexually Mature: 2-3 months

Life Expectancy: 9-12 months

Reproduction:

  • 8-12 offspring/litter
  • Up to 7 litters/year

Territory: Up to 100 meters

roof rat

Roof Rat

Size: Weighs up to 200g

Characteristics: Pointy nose, large eyes and ears, long tail

Physical: Agile, flexible, good climber, can swim, but avoids water

Eating Habit: Eats mostly vegetables

Sexually Mature: 2-3 months

Life Expectancy: 9-12 months

Reproduction:

  • 6 to 10 offspring/litter
  • Up to 6 litters/year

Territory: Up to 15 to 30 meters

house mouse

House Mouse

Size: Weighs up to 15g

Characteristics: Pointy nose, large ears and small eyes, longer tail

Physical: Agile, good climber, and can swim

Eating Habit: Prefers grain

Sexually Mature: 2-3 months

Life Expectancy: 9-12 months

Reproduction:

  • 5 to 6 offspring/litter
  • Up to 8 litters/year

Territory: Up to 3 to 6 meters

Entry

Prevention of entry of rodents in a home can be very difficult. Because of the rodents’ body plan, they are capable of squeezing through spaces that appear to be much too small for them. All holes should be sealed to prevent entry and reentry of rodents.

Ideal Environment

They are usually found inside homes seeking for food, water, and shelter. They establish their territory well by urine and secretions.

Reproduction

Getting labeled as rapid breeders, some species of rodents have the capability of breeding all year round. The rodent populations are maintained through constant reproduction. An average rodent can reproduce an average of 9 offspring per litter and has an average of 7 litters per year.

Allergies/Illnesses

Rats – can harbor and transmit a number of serious diseases. They can also introduce disease-carrying parasites such as fleas and ticks into your home.
Mice – Each mouse can contaminate much more food than it eats.

Contamination can be transferred through their urine and droppings putting not only our families in danger but also our household pets. Diseases transmitted by rodents are have a high chance of resulting to death

“Band-Aid” Solution

Pest-Away’s guide in order to prevent attracting rodents inside your home:

  • Avoid leaving dirty dishes unwashed
  • Provide rodent-proof containers for all food inside the pantry
  • Seal all unintentional holes, gaps or cracks inside your home, basement, and garage larger .25 inches
  • Gutter water should run opposite direction of house
  • Trim any kind of tree branch that reaches until the house

Signs of Infestation

Rodents gnaw on several objects because of their oversized front teeth. Spotting home furniture or objects with gnaw marks could be a sign of a rodent infestation.

Other key signs of Rodent Infestation:

  • Droppings
  • Tracks and Rub Marks
  • Gnawing Damage
  • Burrows & Nests
  • Rodent Odor & Urine Stains
  • Sounds

Rodents also tend to relocate after a severe weather condition such as typhoons and floods.

Due to harmful diseases transmitted by rodents, homeowners should immediately contact a pest professional once rodent activity is noticed.

Prevention and Control

Mechanical (Clients, Tenants, Housekeeping)

  • Proper sanitation
    • Eliminate source of food
    • Remove all rubbish
  • Remove shelter
    • Eliminate breeding and hiding sites
  • Rodent proofing

Chemical (Pest Control Provider)

  • Trapping and poisoning