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Rodent Identification

What are rodents?

Rodents are mammals and part of the order Rodentia. Rodents make up the largest group of mammals and live worldwide in almost any habitat, from the desert to the jungle to our urban cities!

Two of the most common species of rodents that find their way into our Arkansas homes and businesses are the mouse and rat. Both are capable of living outdoors but regularly move indoors with people, much to our dismay!

The rat is a medium-sized species of rodent and is much larger than the mouse. Rats, mice, and every other rodent species have front incisors on their top and bottom jaws that grow continuously throughout their life. These animals are constantly chewing to keep their teeth from overgrowing and preventing them from eating.

Are rodents dangerous?

The sharp front teeth that rodents have are strong enough to chew their way into almost any structure. As they chew, they don’t discriminate and gnaw through and damage siding, drywall, wires, cables, flooring, and other structural elements of your home. 

Unfortunately, rodents are more than just destructive; they are dangerous because they spread many different disease-causing organisms. Inside our homes, they spread pathogens, feces, and urine over countertops, tables, pantries, and floors. In addition to contaminating surfaces, they also contaminate food sources.

Parasites like fleas and ticks are also introduced into our indoor and outdoor spaces by rodents.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

While rodents like mice and rats are technically wild animals, they have developed a strong preference for living with people. They have learned how to utilize the food, water, and shelter our properties provide to their advantage. 

Rodents have a strong sense of smell, and their high metabolisms mean that they are on the constant lookout for food sources. Our indoor and outdoor spaces often provide them with all the food they are looking for. Some of their favorite foraging sites include:

  • Trash cans and compost bins
  • Gardens and fruit trees
  • Pet dishes
  • Kitchens and pantries

Where will I find rodents?

Rats and mice live outside nesting in woodpiles or fallen trees, under dense shrubbery, and in wooded areas or areas of tall grass, all habitats found in or near most of our properties. 

When living near our homes or business, it is common for these pests to move inside with us, either trying to escape bad weather or after being attracted by food odors. 

Once inside, mice and rats retreat to secluded areas that will hide them but allow them to be near food and water sources. Places where we regularly find mice and their nesting spots include:

  • Behind walls voids
  • Attics
  • Basements
  • Crawl spaces
  • The back of drawers
  • Closets
  • Behind cabinets and appliances
  • Inside pieces of furniture

How do I get rid of rodents?

To effectively eliminate rodents in Hot Springs, reach out to Advanced Pest Control. We are a family owned and operated business dedicated to our customers and providing the services necessary to help them get rid of their pest problems. 

We understand how frustrating a rodent infestation can be, and we provide advanced treatments that will produce advanced results! Our professionals are honest, committed to our customers, and provide nothing less than top-of-the-line pest control services.

To learn more about ridding your Hot Springs area property of the rodents that have become unwelcome guests through our residential or commercial pest control services, contact the pest control experts at Advanced Pest Control today!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

At Advanced Pest Control, we have put together a list of helpful pest control tips to assist you in making your property a place that rodents won’t want to call home.

  • Fill in small gaps and cracks around your home’s exterior foundation using silicone caulk or another rigid material like steel wool.
  • Place covers over vents and drains entering your home.
  • Help limit their access to food in your home by removing dry goods from their original packaging and putting them into hard-sided food storage containers.
  • Rodents enjoy feasting our pet’s food. Store pet food in containers with airtight lids and pick up uneaten pet food each evening. 
  • Organize your home’s storage areas to reduce the number of places these pests can hide within your home. 
  • Remove clutter from your yard that rodents can hide within like leaf piles, woodpiles, and construction debris.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.