Rodent Identification & Prevention

What are rodents?

With over 1,500 species of rodents living worldwide, these mammals are all around us. No matter the species, all rodents have front incisors that continuously grow; to prevent their overgrowth, they chew on anything they come across. It's important to keep rodents out of your Charlotte home.

Listed below are the most common species of rodents living in North Carolina and South Carolina:

Black rat

These rats are also known as roof rats because they are great climbers and gain access to buildings through the roof. They have pointed noses, range from dark brown to black in color, and grow to about 16 inches in length from nose to tail.

Deer mouse

These mice are small and agile. They have large back feet that allow them to jump and run very quickly. The fur on the topside of their bodies is light to dark reddish-brown; the fur on their underside, legs, and feet is a contrasting white color.

House mouse

These mice are a small rodent species, and, as their name suggests, they are common invaders of homes and other structures. From nose to tail, adults grow to about 7-1/2 inches in length, and their bodies have light brown fur with a lighter colored underbelly.

Norway rat

These rats are also called brown rats due to the brown-colored fur covering their bodies; their underbellies are lighter in color. They have blunt noses and, from tip to tail, grow to about 17 inches in length. Their dense, heavy bodies make them poor climbers, and they usually enter buildings at ground level.

Are rodents dangerous?

The main concern with rodents is the health hazards they pose. Rodents spread many disease-causing pathogens that can make people quite ill, and their fur and feces can trigger allergies. They are also hosts to parasites that spread a wide variety of diseases to people. In addition, rodents will damage property. Inside homes, rodents cause a lot of damage by gnawing on wires, pipes, drywall, flooring, clothing, food containers, and more. Their chewing habits are also known to cause short circuits and fires.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

These opportunistic pests will take advantage of any food and water provided. Rodents live in urban, rural, and suburban areas, and almost any property can become a home to rodents. The biggest attractant for rodents is food; bird feeders, pet food, gardens, trash cans, and compost are all places where rodents forage for food.

Where will I find rodents?

Over time, rodents have come to rely on people for some of their food, water, and shelter needs. They can live successfully in both indoor and outdoor environments. Outside, rodents nest in parks, fields, yards, gardens, wooded areas, along the banks of streams, in tree hollows, and the abandoned nests of other small animals. Inside, they choose nesting spots that are secluded and close to food sources. Wall voids, attics, basements, cabinets, cupboards, and areas behind large appliances are places rodents nest.

How do I get rid of rodents?

If you are looking for pest control in the Charlotte area, turn to the local and experienced pest professionals at Aruza Pest Control. We offer home and business owners the benefits of comprehensive pest control, superior customer service, and the peace of mind that comes with our guaranteed services. Our eco-friendly solutions solve current pest problems and keep them from returning. For home and business owners who want to protect their property from rodents, contact Aruza Pest Control today!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent rodents on your property:

• Place screens on vents and drains entering into your home or business.

• Place woodpiles a distance from the outside of your structure.

• Remove fallen trees and excess debris from your property.

• Keep locking lids on trash cans and compost bins.

• Place door sweeps on exterior doors.

• Install a tight-fitting cap on chimneys.

• Caulk any holes in the foundation and exterior walls.

• Cut tree branches away from the outside of your structure.

• Regularly harvest vegetables and fruit from trees and gardens.

• Place metal flashing on the bottom of trees to stop rats from climbing them.