As a homeowner, you will want to prevent all types of pests, especially rodents, from infesting your home. Rodents are home destroyers and can pose health and safety threats. Rodents such as rats and mice can spread different illnesses through their feces, urine, and saliva. These unsightly pests are never welcome in any home. It’s essential to understand the signs that should alert you to possible dangers from rodent issues to prevent them from turning into infestations. This makes professional pest control in Texas an important part of home maintenance. Keep reading to learn about how pest control experts can help rid your home of rodents and other pests.
What to Know About Rodents
Rodents are small mammals that have long tails, fur, and sharp teeth. They can be anywhere since they are constantly looking for food and water. However, they are prevalent in urban areas where food is abundant. Rodents are omnivores, so they tend to consume anything they can find, including the insulation and wiring of your house.
Common Rodent Infestations in Texas
Rodent infestations are a common issue in urban areas. Rats and mice can find their way into houses, causing property damage and spreading illnesses. Residents in Texas must be aware of how to spot a rodent issue, so they can take prompt action to prevent further infestation. Rodent infestations in the state are often caused by the following rodents:
- Roof rats. These rodents are skilled climbers who can access roofs, cavities, and attics. They cause health concerns and property damage.
- Deer mice. These mice are common in rural areas. They are known to carry hantavirus and transmit this disease to people through contact with droppings.
- House mice. These small rodents can sneak into houses and leave behind droppings. They can contaminate surfaces and foods as well as cause unsanitary conditions.
Health Threats Associated with Rodents
Rodents can pose health threats to your house and family. They can spread diseases such as the following:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This disease is commonly found in cotton rats, white-footed mice, and rice rats. It is a life-threatening disease that does not have a specific treatment, vaccine, or cure. Its symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Plague. This disease is caused by Yersinia pestis that lives in rodents and fleas.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. This disease is common among house mice. Often, it happens in two stages. First-stage symptoms include nausea, headache, vomiting, lack of appetite, and muscle aches. The second stage includes the development of encephalitis, meningitis, and meningoencephalitis.
- Rat-bite fever. This is transmitted through the nose and mouth of rodents when they bite.
- Leptospirosis. This often results from contaminated water like floodwater and direct contact with rodent urine.
- Tularemia. This can be a life-threatening disease of which the common symptom is fever.
How to Spot a Rodent Issue
If you believe you are dealing with a rodent issue, below are signs to watch out for:
- Droppings. Spotting rodent droppings in your house, especially in areas such as the pantry or kitchen, clearly indicates a rodent issue.
- Chewed electrical wiring. Rats and mice tend to gnaw on wires constantly, causing electrical problems or fires.
- Strange noises. If you have rodents in your house, you may hear scurrying or scratching sounds in the attic or walls,
- Nesting materials. Rodents usually build nests in secluded places such as attics and crawlspaces. Find signs of nesting materials such as insulation and shredded paper.
If you spot any of these signs, contact a pest control expert right away. Rodents can reproduce quickly. Even if you spot just a few rats or mice, more of them may be hiding nearby. The expert can evaluate the extent of the rodent issue and establish a customized treatment plan.