Oklahoma Rodents: Flatline Pest Control
What are Rodents?
Rodents are a diverse group of small mammals belonging to the order Rodentia. They are easily recognized by their continuously growing incisors, which they use to gnaw and chew on various materials. This unique dental feature allows them to adapt to various environments, from dense forests to open grasslands. However, their adaptability also means they can thrive in human habitats, often leading to significant property damage and health risks. Rodents are notorious for carrying diseases and contaminating food and water sources, making them a serious concern for homeowners and businesses alike.
Types of Rodents
There are over 2,200 species of rodents, each varying in size, shape, and behavior. Some of the most common types of rodents include:
House mice (Mus musculus): These small, grayish-brown rodents are frequently found in homes and buildings. Known for their ability to squeeze through tiny openings, house mice can be a persistent problem.
Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus): Large and brown, Norway rats are infamous for their ability to carry diseases and cause extensive property damage.
Roof rats (Rattus rattus): Smaller and black roof rats are excellent climbers often found in attics and roofs.
Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.): These small, burrowing rodents inhabit grasslands and prairies, creating extensive underground networks.
Pocket gophers (Geomys spp.): Known for their burrowing habits, they can be found in various environments, from gardens to agricultural fields.
The Dangers of Rodents
Rodents pose a significant public health risk due to their ability to carry and transmit diseases. Some of the most concerning diseases include:
Lyme disease: This serious bacterial infection is spread through the bite of infected ticks, which can be carried by rodents.
Hantavirus: This viral disease is transmitted through contact with infected rodent urine, saliva, or feces and can lead to severe respiratory issues.
Salmonellosis: Caused by bacteria found in rodent feces, salmonellosis can contaminate food and water and lead to gastrointestinal illness.
Typhus: Another bacterial disease spread through contact with rodent feces, typhus can cause severe flu-like symptoms.
Signs of a Rodent Problem
Detecting a rodent problem early can help prevent extensive damage and health risks. Here are some common signs to look out for:
Droppings: Small, dark, and pellet-shaped droppings are a clear indicator of rodent activity.
Gnaw marks: Rodents often gnaw on wood, plastic, and other materials, leaving behind small, rough marks.
Burrows: Look for small holes and tunnels in walls, floors, and other areas where rodents may be burrowing.
Nests: Rodents build nests from shredded paper, fabric, and other materials, often found in hidden or cluttered areas.
Footprints: Small rodent footprints may be visible in dusty areas, indicating their presence.
How Rodents Get In
Rodents are adept at finding ways into homes and buildings. Here are some common entry points:
Cracks and crevices: Rodents can squeeze through tiny openings around windows, doors, and pipes.
Vents: Climbing up vents is another common way for rodents to gain entry.
Trees and shrubs: Rodents can climb trees and shrubs, using branches that touch roofs or walls as bridges to enter buildings.
Food sources: Rodents are attracted to food sources like pet food, bird seed, and compost piles, and they will find ways to access these areas.
Understanding these entry points and taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of a rodent infestation in your home or business.
Roof Rats Exterminator for Oklahoma
Rodents such as rats and mice are nocturnal animals. When looking for a place to live they look for a lot of the same things we do. A warm place to live (the more cluttered the better) with ready food and water available. Rodents and their guests (fleas, mites, ticks, and lice) carry with them the ability to transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Hantavirus, and Bubonic Plague. On top of this their urine can trigger unwanted allergic reactions in your loved ones. Oklahoma pest control experts are a reliable solution for persistent rodent issues.
Oklahoma Pest Control Experts Service
To protect your home from rodents be sure to seal off any openings in windows, under doors, and in siding. Anything bigger than a pencil head can be an open door for mice. Roof rats, for example, have a scaly tail that is longer than the rest of their body, making them easily identifiable. Keeping your home clutter free will make your home look less homey to these pests as they likely to nest in piles of clutter. Also be sure to put up food after use including pet food. A pet’s food dish left out all night is an open invitation to dinner for rodents. Keep pet food in sealed containers instead of open bags. These changes, and a visit from our Pest Professional to evict these unwelcome guests, and your home will be your own once again.
Our methods of extermination may vary depending on the infestation. We are confident in our training to remove any infestation we encounter. When dealing with any infestation finding the Rodents entry way is critical. We provide services sealing homes or business, helping to prevent further infestations down the road. We use methods such as Baiting Stations pictured in the photo to the right, or Place Pack Baits to eliminate Rodents. Some cases may require Rodent Deterrents or Sticky Traps. Be assured that no matter how bad the infestation is we have the skills needed to provide a helping hand in your time of need!
