As the weather cools here in Dallas, different types of rodents can find their way into our homes. Winter is the time of year we most often find rodents invading homes in our area. If you are wondering how to get rid of mice and different kinds of rats, you have come to the right place.
Dallas pest control companies see a spike in calls this time of year. Finding evidence of rodents in your home is alarming. Finding a local company experienced in effective rodent control can help eliminate mice and rats and keep them from entering your house.
Types Of Rodents That Invade Dallas Homes
The most common types of rodents found invading Dallas homes are house mice and two different kinds of rats; Norway rats and roof rats. Here are some descriptions to help you identify which type of rodent you have in your home.
House mice are light brown to gray with cream-colored underbellies. They have large ears, pointed noses, and tails covered in a layer of fur. These mice usually nest in dark, secluded areas within the home. You may find mouse droppings in the kitchen, which are 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long, rod-shaped, and pointed on the ends.
Norway rats have blunt noses and small, close-set bald ears. They have dense bodies with shaggy brown or gray-colored fur. You'll notice Norway rat droppings have blunt ends which measure about ¾ of an inch long.
Easily differentiated from Norway rats, a roof rat's body is thin with dark brown or black fur. They have large ears, pointed noses, and large, dark-colored eyes. Roof rat droppings usually measure half an inch and have pointed ends.
No matter which type of rodent you find, take care and do not approach them.
Both Mice And Rats Are Dangerous To Have In Your Home
Effective rodent control for mouse and rat prevention is essential to keep your home and family safe. All types of rodents share standard features that make them dangerous and destructive. They have a pair of large front incisors that continuously grow; therefore, they must gnaw on anything they can find.
Rodents can spread dangerous diseases like salmonella, tapeworm, and jaundice. Rat or mouse droppings in the kitchen contaminate food and surfaces and can cause us to get very sick. Rodents often have fleas that carry diseases into our homes, such as typhus and plague.
House mice can get into walls and chew on wires causing an electrical fire. Norway rats are capable of chewing through just about anything to access food sources, including plastic and lead pipes. Roof rats nest high in structures and are known carriers of many diseases, including bubonic plague.
Where Do Mice And Rats Go In Winter?
Rats and mice sense the weather changing and turning cold and will hurry to find shelter, often in our homes. As the temperature dips, food and water may become scarce, and rodents have learned that people's homes have everything they need to stay safe over the winter.
Prevention measures can go a long way in keeping rodents outside where they belong. Keep the yard clean and remove clutter that may be lying around. Enlisting the help of a company experienced in mouse and rat prevention can be beneficial.
How To Safely Get Rid Of Rodents In Dallas And Keep Them Away
The safest and most effective rodent control is to contact a local company like Addison Pest Control of Texas. Whether the problem is house mice, Norway rats, or roof rats, we are here to stop your rodent problem and keep them away. Call us now to request your free inspection.