IT’S GETTING COLDER AND THE RODENTS ARE GETTING BOLDER

The winter season is fast approaching the Las Vegas Valley – from Southern Highlands to Henderson rodents will start seeking shelter soon. This can mean many homeowners will likely have to deal with mice or rats in their homes over the next few months.

Rodents can spread dangerous diseases and can cause major property damage, so it's important for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the types of rodents that invade homes this time of year. Here is a guide to help you identify common mice and rat species.

DEER MICE

• Deer mice are found throughout the United States and prefer rural areas and like to nest in fence posts, tree hollows. They can wander indoors during the winter months while searching for shelter from the cold weather.

• Deer mice pose a significant health threat because they are the most common carrier of Hantavirus. This virus is transmitted primarily by the inhalation of dust particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of infected deer mice.
• Don't store pet food or birdseed in garages or storage sheds, where it is especially attractive to deer mice.
• Unique fact: Deer mice always have a bi-colored tail that is usually half brown, half white.

HOUSE MICE

• House mice are found throughout the United States and unlike deer mice, house mice usually nest in dark, secluded areas within structures. They are excellent climbers and can jump up to a foot high.
• House mice can cause serious property damage by chewing through materials. They have been known to spark electrical fires by gnawing on wires inside homes. These rodents are also a health threat, as they can contaminate stored food and spread diseases like Salmonella, tapeworms and the plague.
• This type of mouse likes to hide in clutter, so it's important to keep storage areas clean and store boxes off the floor. Also, keep food in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
• Unique fact: House mice can fit through an opening as small as a dime. Although they have poor vision and are color blind, their other senses are very keen.

NORWAY RATS

• Norway rats are found throughout the United States and are primarily nocturnal. They often burrow in piles of garbage or under concrete slabs. They tend to enter homes in the fall when outside food sources become scarce. Indoors, Norway rats nest in basements, attics and other undisturbed dwellings.
• Norway rats can cause significant damage to property by gnawing through a variety of materials, including plastic and lead pipes, to obtain food and water.
• They are also carriers of disease, such as plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis and salmonellosis. In addition, these rats can introduce fleas and mites into a home.

• Inspect your home regularly for signs of an infestation, such as droppings, gnaw marks, damaged food goods and grease rub marks caused by rats' oily fur.
• Unique fact: Norway rats can gain entry to a home through a hole larger than ½ inch, or the size of a quarter.

ROOF RATS

• Roof rats are thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, but they are now found in the coastal states and southern third of the U.S. They live in colonies and prefer to nest in upper parts of structures or in trees.
• Historically, roof rats and their fleas have been associated with bubonic plague. Although cases are rare, roof rats also spread typhus, jaundice, rat-bite fever, trichinosis and salmonellosis.
• Clean up fruit that may have fallen from trees in the yard. Also, ensure the garbage is stored in tightly covered receptacles.
• Unique fact: The roof rat is also called the black rat or ship rat. These rodents are excellent swimmers.

If you think you already have an infestation call a professional pest control company to take care of your problem – GLOBAL PEST CONTROL in Las Vegas is a licensed pest control company that is qualified to handle all your pest elimination needs. Call our office at 702-657-0091 or go to our web site- to speak with us for all your pest control needs. Get a quote now!

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