We’ve had a wild pest control year here on Staten Island, and while the pests are still out in full swing due to the warmer weather and considerable rain we’ve experienced, we are also entering the winter months, which means that total pest populations are likely to decrease soon.
That is, of course, except for rodents.
Mice and rats remain highly active in winter, and may even invade in larger numbers if the weather is particularly cold and they need a safe space to sleep. That means that you’re going to need to be listening for those scratches in your walls, or for signs of droppings, or the sounds of scurrying legs. Because if you don’t notice a rodent infestation when it happens, then you are at increased risk for an even larger invasion very quickly.
In honor of this rat and mouse season in Staten Island, we’ve compiled a few fun and not-so-fun facts to help you understand these little invaders better:
Rodent Fact 1: Rodents Can Climb
One of our clients a while back relayed a story of noticing little feet and a tail at the top of their curtains. They knew it was a mouse, but when she called her husband over, her husband was like “no, mice don’t climb.”
Yes, they absolutely do. In fact, rodents are outstanding climbers, with sticky feet and claws that help them climb up all sorts of things around your home. Indoors, this can be pretty gross. But outdoors is where this can be even more problematic, as they can climb up into holes in your property to get inside.
Rodent Fact 2: Rats Follow Rat Smells
You’ve probably heard pest control companies tell you that rat traps are not enough. One reason for this is that if the rats entered through a hole on your property, and you do not fill the hole, then rats can come back again.
But what you may not know is that this isn’t just a hypothetical. Rats specifically, as a species, follow the smells of other rats. So if a rat entered your property, other rats will smell them and head inside, leading to more and more rats (and more and more rat smells!). This is why traps cannot be enough.
Rodent Fact 3: Rats Are Active at Night
Another issue that people know but often forget is that rats and mice are nocturnal. Sometimes, people assume they do not have rodents on their property because they cannot see or hear them. If you’re someone that goes to sleep around 10pm or before, you can have rats for months or even years without realizing it because they are only active in the late evening.
Rodent Fact 4: Their Teeth Never Stop Growing
Rodent teeth *never* stop growing. They can grow so long that it can actually kill the rat. As a result, rats and mice have to chew constantly to grind their tooth down and keep it short.
What do they chew on? Anything they can find. Furniture is one example that often upsets people, but there is something much more problematic. Many rats and mice like to chew on wires.
Since rodents live in your walls, and your walls have metal wires that are perfect for rat teeth, they find them nearly irresistibly to chew on. This can cause potentially dangerous electrical issues, including house fires, exposed wires, and more.
Rodent Fact 5: Rats Can Hold Their Breath
You aren’t going to be able to drown a mouse. They can hold their breath for a very long time and swim for quite literally days without getting tired. Though you’re probably not picking up a rat and flushing it down the toilet, the reason this matters is because of something much worse – rather can, at least theoretically, come into your home via your toilet. They can hold their breath and climb pipes. It’s rare, but it’s happened.
Rodent Fact 6: It’s Not Just Rats that Spread Viruses
You do not want rats or mice living on your property. They spread disease, like hantavirus and even the bubonic plague. Their feces and urine are filled with viruses and bacteria that can make people sick.
But what makes it worse is that it’s not just the rodents that are a problem. Many rodents are infested with fleas and ticks, and those fleas and ticks can ALSO spread some of those same rodent diseases. Even getting rid of the rats themselves is not enough. Without professional pest control, you are increasing your risk of illness through the fleas and other bugs they left behind.
Get Rid of Rats, Mice, and All Pests with Fillmore Termite and Pest Control
We’re on the cusp of winter, when the number of rodents on a property tends to increase. If you do not have a professional pest control company working for you – and one that you trust, with great prices and excellent service – then you may be at risk for ongoing problems.
Contact Fillmore Pest Control today, and let our team of pest control experts help you get rid of rats, mice, and other pests. We service most of New York City, parts of New Jersey, and are based in Staten Island if you’re looking for someone especially local.