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RODENT IDENTIFICATION & PREVENTION

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Average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 354 reviews. 4.8   

What are rodents?

Rodents make up the largest group of mammals, Rodentia. These pests are very adaptable creatures and have come to live on all continents except Antarctica. Something that all rodents have in common is the pair of front incisors that continuously grow throughout their entire lives. To keep their powerful teeth from overgrowing and preventing them from eating, rodents must chew almost constantly on any material they come across. Chipmunks, guinea pigs, mice, rats, and squirrels are all examples of rodents.
a mouse crawling on the floor of a home

Two of the most common species of rodents found living throughout our area of Greater Baltimore are house mice and Norway rats.

House mice
House mice are light brown to gray in color with cream-colored underbellies. They have pointed noses, in addition to their two large ears and tails that are covered in a light layer of velvety fur. Their tails are about the same length or longer than their bodies. House mice are considered commensal rodents, meaning they prefer to live near people and have overtime somewhat come to rely on us for their basic needs. The house mouse is one of the most common species of rodent to invade our homes.

Norway rats
Norway rats are also commonly called brown rats or sewer rats.  Norway rats are not super agile and have poor vision, but are good swimmers. Their heavy, dense body is covered in shaggy brown or gray colored fur that is sprinkled with black hairs. Their underbelly is covered in a lighter colored fur- typically gray or white. Norway rats have a blunt nose, small round ears, and small black eyes. Their scaly tail is void of hair and is shorter than the total length of their body and head.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are well known for contaminating food sources and are also responsible for destroying gardens and crops. Rodents spread a wide variety of bacteria and diseases to people. They contaminate the surfaces of your home or business with their excrement, saliva, and urine. Rodents are capable of causing significant damage to the structure of your home or business and any personal items stored inside. They will chew on and damage things like air ducts, clothing, drywall, flooring, furniture, insulation, paper items, pipes, and wires. Rodents are also known for getting into cars, causing engine and electrical problems by chewing through hoses and wires.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodents find their way into your home or business because your provides them with the things they need to survive. Bird feeders, clogged gutters, compost bins, garden areas, leaky pipes, and outdoor trash cans all act as food and water sources for rodents. Properties with decks, fallen trees, grills, overgrown vegetation, porches, tall grass, woodpiles, and other outbuildings all provide ample shelter for rodents to hide out in. Once rodents have begun successfully feeding and nesting on your property, they will eventually feel comfortable enough to move inside – entering your home or business through any tiny crack or crevice they come across. Rodents can become a huge problem inside your Central Maryland home or business during any time of the year, especially in the late fall and winter months when they are looking for safe, warm shelter to overwinter inside of.

Where will I find rodents?

Rodents live successfully in both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether living inside or outdoors, all rodents prefer to nest in dark, quiet areas that are close to food sources and away from people. Rodents are highly adaptable pests and can be found living successfully on any rural, suburban, or urban property.

How do I get rid of rodents?

To get rid of rodents, we recommend contacting a pest control company that has the experience, knowledge, and tools required to completely eliminate the infestation. Phenom Pest Protection is a local, family-owned business committed to offering phenomenal service and results. We customize our treatment process to ensure your property’s specific needs are met. To learn more about our effective rodent control services offered to properties throughout Greater Baltimore, call Phenom Pest Protection today!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:

Exterior tips

  • Inspect the exterior of your home and seal any entry points found.

  • Remove their access to water by maintaining gutters and fixing leaky pipes and fixtures.

  • Place tight-fitting or locking lids on outdoor trash cans and compost bins.

  • Place gardens a distance away from the outside of your home.

  • Keep outdoor eating areas clean and free of food debris.

  • Remove bird and other animal feeders from your property

 

Interior tips

  • Keep storage areas clean and clutter-free.

  • Wash dirty dishes daily.

  • Remove trash from your home daily.

  • Vacuum and mop your home regularly.

  • Do not store food on counters, place food in air-tight containers or the refrigerator.

  • Store pet food in sealed plastic or metal containers. 

Got my first service done today and was happy to see that not only did I get a great deal, but they did everything they told me they were going to do, and they were right on time!! Heather did my service and she did a great job! Highly recommend this company if you like working with organized and reliable people who have a vision for growing a company through customer service! “PHENOMenal!!”

a happy customer in his home in fort worth texas

Matt B.

Phenom Pest Protection received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 354 reviews.

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