Do You Have The Right Facts About Rodents in Fort Washington, MD?

Whenever you set out to fight, you need a winning strategy. So, how do you choose the right one? First, you need to have a thorough knowledge of your enemy, or what you are dealing with. This could give you a headstart and help you properly anticipate your opponent’s moves. This same principle applies to your rodent control plan. You can’t afford to go blindly into such an endeavor. This post will help you develop a winning rodent control plan.

Let’s start from the beginning. What basic facts about rodents should you be aware of? Here are some of them:

• Rats can range in size from a few inches to monster rats that get as big as 10 inches.
• Rats are very social creatures and like to be with other rats. They tend to form very tight family bonds
• Rats have very sharp teeth that are constantly growing and to control that they have to chew on hard or rough objects.
• Rats have been known to chew on things like wood, cinder blocks, glass, wires, wire mesh, and even lead.
• One of the dangers of rats is that they will chew through wires and electrical cables which can be a fire hazard.
• Rats are outstanding climbers and will climb trees and get into your home via the roof.
• Rats are also excellent swimmers. A rat can tread water for up to three days and hold their breath for a long time. Read more at Western Exterminator…

When you see one rat, be sure that there are probably more in the vicinity. Also, with their good memory, they will remember every detail about your home. And despite all these characteristics, rats do not see very well.

Owing to their ever-growing front teeth, rodents are always chewing or eating. As such, you need to be clear about the kind of food they prefer.

Brown rats diet includes mostly foods high in protein such as:

• Grains;
• Seeds and nuts;
• Pet food;
• Small birds and their eggs;
• Fish;
• Young rabbits and mice…

Black Rat
Black rats are generalists…though they have a huge preference for fruit and nuts. They also enjoy:

• Seeds;
• Stems;
• Leaves;
• Fungi;

Any food meant to be for pets or livestock. Their diet is high in water content. They are important to many natural habitats because they feed on birds and insects. Read more at Fantastic Pest Control…

It is clear that rodents can eat just about anything. Moreover, they can also chew on plastics, wiring, hoses, etc. So, you’ll need to watch out for the insulation on your electric wires at home and in your car.

Now, in what other ways can rodents prove to be a threat? Apart from their appetites and obsessive chewing, are they harmless little creatures? Stunningly, these small animals can spread a host of diseases.

COMMON RODENT DISEASES TRANSMITTED THROUGH DIRECT CONTACT
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: This virus is transmitted to humans after they’ve come in contact with rat waste, urine, and saliva. It is also transmitted when this waste becomes airborne and is inhaled. Initial symptoms may be mistaken for the flu. However, when the illness progresses, breathing problems will occur and may result in death if not treated immediately. Norway rats and roof rats, which are very common in the Pacific Northwest, are not known to carry hantavirus.
Salmonellosis: While known to be caused by undercooked eggs and meat, this virus can also be contracted by consuming food or water contaminated by rodent feces bacteria. Read more at All About Ants…

Not only will they spread disease through direct contact, but they also do it indirectly. For example, when a flea that has been feeding on a rat comes into contact with you, you may end up with a plague diagnosis.

You’re always better off safe than sorry. So, how do you ensure your home is rodent-free? Easy – work with professionals. At Backyard Bug Patrol, we take no chances with rodents. Additionally, our perimeter rodent control safeguards your home, including your outdoor area and indoors. Call us today for a quote.