If you have never had rodents invade your home, you probably know someone that has. This is because rodents are one of the most common pests in Baltimore, Maryland, and across the country. The reason they are so prevalent is that they have adapted over the centuries to live alongside people and thrive inside of our dwellings which provide them with easy access to food and shelter.

The two rodent species you have to worry about are mice and rats. While they are two different species, they share many similarities in how they look and behave. However, it’s very rare to have an infestation of both at the same time.

So, to help you figure out if you’re dealing with rats or mice, here is a brief guide to telling them apart.

  • Mice: The easiest way to identify mice is that they are smaller than rats, however baby rats can easily be mistaken for mice. Mice are a brownish-grey color and have large ears and eyes in proportion to their bodies. They also have long, skinny tails and triangular faces.
  • Rats: Rats are a brown-grey to black color depending on the species. They have shorter, scaly tails, and their faces are a more blunt shape. Rats also have somewhat smaller ears and eyes in proportion to their bodies.

While rodents might be small, they can cause many issues for homeowners, so it’s vital to know the risks of rodents as well as what you can do to prevent them.

Rodents And Property Damage

Other than termites, rodents are one of the worst pests when it comes to property damage. This is because of their biology. They have incisors that grow constantly, so they need to gnaw constantly to grind down their teeth. This means they will chew nearly anything including plastic, wires, pipes, drywall, clothing, and even wood.

Over time, especially if the infestation grows out of control, the damage can really add up. You could end up having to replace many valuable items and also spend money on home repairs to fix things like electrical wiring and plumbing.

Rodents And Health Risks

While dealing with property damage is annoying, the real problem with rodents is that they pose many health concerns for humans. Because of these health concerns, it’s not safe to have mice and rats in your home, and the risks become greater the longer the infestation remains.

Here are the main health problems associated with a rodent infestation:

  • They can trigger asthma attacks and allergies.
  • Their fur, urine, and feces can make you sick and lead to respiratory issues.
  • These rodents can transmit diseases including hantavirus and salmonella.
  • They also often have fleas, and these fleas can spread even more diseases including tapeworm and the Bubonic plague.

How To Prevent And Control Rodents

Because of the many issues that rodents can cause, the best way to keep yourself and your family safe is to get help from the professionals at Pest Czar.

Rodents are difficult to prevent and even harder to remove without experience and the right products, so don’t waste time and money trying to handle mice or rats on your own. Instead, contact us today to request a free quote and learn about our residential pest control options.