Rodent Identification & Prevention

Rodents are mammals that are defined by the pair of constantly growing incisors that they have in both their upper and lower jaws. From the biggest capybara to the smallest jerboa, all rodents have these pairs of incisors and have to constantly grind them down to keep them at the right length. This is one of the biggest reasons why rodents are such a problem. However, we don’t have any capybaras or jerboas in New Jersey. We’re stuck with something a lot worse: rats and mice.

Rodents, especially rats and mice, are one of the most dangerous pests you can get in your house. Their need to file down their teeth leads them to constantly chew on items in your home, and sometimes these can include things like plumbing and even electrical wiring. Rodents also spread a variety of diseases that can make you very sick. They contaminate virtually everything they touch, and a house with rodents always poses a threat to your health.

Most of the time, house rodents such as rats and mice come inside because you have some sort of attractant that is bringing them in. Common rodent attractants include:

• Uncovered garbage
• Improperly sealed pantry stores
• Pet foods and bowls
• Air conditioning and heating
• Hiding and nesting spots
• Water sources

As you can see, the list of rodent attractants is quite long and includes just about everything you have in your house. This is part of why it is so hard to deter them.

Rodents do not like to come into contact with people. This means you may never find live rodents, even if you have a serious infestation. This, in turn, means you will have to look for other signs of their presence, such as rodent damage, nests, feces, and scurrying sounds inside your walls and ceilings. On occasion, you may see a live rodent. If you do, it will likely be in an area with low foot traffic, such as your basement or attic.

Unfortunately, it is not an easy task to get rid of rodents. We talked a little bit above about how over-the-counter traps and baits cannot stop these pesky pests. This is why the best thing you can do to get rid of rodents once you have them is to call the experts here at Bayonne Exterminating to learn about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions. Rodents may be able to outcompete store-bought solutions, but they can't outcompete us.

The best way to control rodents is to avoid a rodent infestation to begin with. You can do this by making it much harder for them to access the things that attract them. Make sure you are storing all your pantry foods in airtight containers, including pet foods. Keep all indoor and outdoor garbage cans covered tightly. Make sure holes and gaps in your home's exterior are sealed tight to prevent rodent entry. Get rid of clutter to eliminate rodent hiding spots.

Taking these measures can go a long way towards making your home less attractive to rodents, but if even these measures do not keep rodents at bay, don't hesitate to call the rat and mouse experts here at Bayonne Exterminating.