What Animals Are Considered Rodents?
Rodents describe mammals from the order Rodentia. You can distinguish them by their chisel-shaped incisors that grow throughout their lives. They also have a single incisor in both jaws. Here are some rodents you can find on your Hot Springs property and places they may hide.
- Roof rats: In attics, cabinets, walls, and ceilings
- Deer mice: Under decks, log stacks, and tree hollows
- House mice: In cabinets, walls, ceilings, and any other out of the way place in your home
One thing all of these rodents have in common is a need to continuously chew on things to keep their teeth from growing too long. If rodents are in your home, this chewing quickly leads to problems.
Why Are Rodents In My Garden?
Rodents primarily infest your garden for food. They eat nuts, leafy vegetables, berries, and insects. Additionally, they love seeds, making sunflower and corn plants possible targets.
Different types of rodents also enter your garden for shelter. It’s not uncommon to find mice inside compost piles, bird feeders, and trash cans. You don’t need to see the animal to confirm rodent presence. Pests may have already invaded the garden if you spot grain-like droppings.
You can also look for tracks and smear marks along walls and gate posts. Another sign is tunneling with mounds marking entrances and exits. These tunnels can destroy growing plants along the way. You might also have pests if sprouts and seedlings disappear suddenly. Similarly, observe pet behavior. Your dog may bark to signal rodent presence on your property.
How Can I Tell If Rodents Are Damaging My Home?
House rodents are sneaky and often nocturnal, so detecting them on your premises can be difficult. But the sooner you notice an issue the easier it will be to get rodents out. Here are some places to check around your Hot Springs home:
- Small entrances: Small rodents can slip through openings that are equal to a nickel. Check around your home’s exterior for small gaps or holes. The hole may appear small, but rodents can expand it by gnawing. If you see gnaw marks it is likely rodents are in your home.
- Cluttered areas: Areas in your home that are cluttered encourage nesting. If you have areas that need organizing, check carefully for signs of rodents as you put things away.
- Around food sources: Leftovers are enough to trigger a rodent infestation. Food is the primary draw for rodents. If you suspect they may be in your home, it is important to look closely at areas where rodents might find food. Look for droppings in the back of cabinets and drawers or under appliances.
- Your lawn: Not all rodents make their nest indoors. Some will nest outdoors and enter your home in search of food. Check for nests in overgrown areas or piles of wood or stone.
Rodents cause a lot of damage and reproduce quickly. If you suspect they have found a way into your home, don’t delay in getting them out.
How To Stop A Rodent Infestation
The best way to stop a rodent infestation is to prevent it from starting in the first place. You can do this by:
- Block entrances by installing door sweeps, using screens on chimney openings and vents, and caulk holes around foundations and utility pipes.
- Store items in plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes that can be easily damaged by pests. Organize your garage, attic, and other storage spaces to prevent the cluttered areas rodents like to hide inside.
- Eliminate access to food by wiping cooking surfaces and storing food in airtight packages. The same applies to pet food. Don’t leave dog or cat food in the bowl for too long. You can also eliminate water sources by wiping spills and fixing leaks.
- Prune any shrubbery where rodents can hide and keep landscaping away from the building’s siding and foundation. Firewood piles should also be far from the dwelling.
These are all good ways to minimize your risk of a rodent infestation. However, if rodents are already inside your home it’s time to take a different approach.
A professional exterminator understands the best treatment for different types of rodents and other invasive pests. Get in touch with Advanced Pest Control to get rid of rodents on your Hot Springs property.
