What are rodents?
All rodents are part of the order “Rodentia.” The word “Rodentia” means “to gnaw” and no matter what the rodent species, they are constantly chewing on objects to make sure their front incisors don’t overgrow. The front incisors grow throughout their life, and overgrown teeth will prevent them from eating. The rodent’s chewing habits make them very damaging pests to have in gardens, yards, and, of course, our homes.
Rodents are one of the most common pests that home and business owners have to deal with. They live in large populations all around us. Due to their ability to breed quickly, just a few finding a way onto our properties can lead to a large-scale infestation in no time at all.
Some of the most common rodents living in our area are:
- Mice
- Rats
- Gophers
Are rodents dangerous?
In addition to being very destructive, rodents are dangerous. Their chewing habits damage wires, electrical equipment, and pipes, which may lead to fires and water damage. Rodents also chew on structural elements and personal items, and introduce health risks to people. As rodents travel across our surfaces and feed on our food, they contaminate both with excrement, urine, saliva, bacteria, and human pathogens that they carry on their body and legs.
While mice and rats are more of a problem for people indoors, gophers are dangerous to our yards and gardens. To feed, gophers tunnel through the ground and nibble on grass or plant roots, causing significant damage or plant death. Gopher tunnels may also extend under driveways and foundations, causing even more damage.
Why do I have a rodent problem?
Food is the main attractant for rodents and most other pests. They won’t think twice about taking advantage of food sources we unintentionally offer them. Trash cans, compost, gardens, pet food, and bird feeders are common food sources for rodents.
Once comfortable foraging for food in a yard, it won’t be long until they decide to stay and nest, and if the weather isn’t great outside, mice and rats won’t hesitate to move inside of our temperature-controlled homes.
Where will I find rodents?
A property with loose, sandy soil or an irrigation system is a place gophers love to call home. These rodents usually are most problematic in yards bordering or close to meadows, fields, parks, golf courses, and other grassy open spaces. Gophers live, feed, and breed outside throughout the entire year.
Outside, mice and rats nest in protected places like tree cavities, under woodpiles, in tree stumps, under fallen trees, and areas of dense vegetation. They may also nest in the ground around rivers, ponds, lakes, and ditches.
When rodents move into our homes or other man-made structures, they usually choose dark, quiet areas to nest. Nesting sites include spaces behind wall voids, under floors, in attics, in closets, and in basements. Rodents also like to be near food sources, so they may choose to nest in kitchens behind large appliances or the backs of cabinets.
Rodents are nocturnal, so you aren’t likely to see them during the day. If you see rodents during the day running around in your yard or through your home, it most likely means a large infestation has developed; you should take immediate action and call a pest professional.
How do I get rid of rodents?
Get rid of destructive and potentially dangerous rodents from your California property with the help of the pest control professionals at Malang Pest Control. We are “focused on providing the best pest control services you’ve ever had!” Our commitment to each other, the pest control industry, and our customers allows us to provide exceptional pest control solutions.
Through customized treatment plans, targeted services, integrated pest management, and modern, eco-friendly products, we get rid of rodents and stop them from coming back. If you are looking for a solution to your rodent problem, reach out to Malang Pest Control and learn more about our rodent control services!
How can I prevent rodents in the future?
Prevent rodents in the future by partnering with Malang Pest Control, and putting into place the following prevention tips:
- Use raised planting boxes in garden areas to prevent gophers from digging through your gardens and damaging them.
- Do not overwater your lawn. The moister the soil, the more attractive it is to gophers because it is easier to dig through.
- Rodent-proof the exterior of your structure by sealing up any spaces (big or small) that you find to keep mice and rats out of your home.
- Get rid of water sources by repairing leaky pipes, hoses, and clogged gutters.
- Eliminate clutter and debris from inside and outside your home where rodents can hide.
- Limit food sources by keeping lids on trash cans and compost bins. Pick up leftover pet food. Remove bird and other wild animal feeders from your yard.
Find out more about our home pest control and commercial pest control offerings.