PEST OF THE MONTH
Mice & Rats
Rats and mice are habitually nocturnal and secretive and are rarely seen during the day except when infestations are heavy. Therefore, to plan control work, it is necessary to properly interpret signs of their activities. From the rodent signs, our experts can tell the species present and whether a rodent infestation is current or old, heavy or light.
Droppings. Fresh droppings of feces usually are moist, soft, shiny and dark, but in a few days they become dry and hard. Old droppings are dull and grayish and crumble when pressed with a stick. The roof rat's droppings are up to 1/2 inch long, spindle shaped and curved in contrast to Norway rat droppings which are about the same length but comparatively blunt. Mouse feces are small, Averaging about 1/8 inch long, and are pointed on both ends.
Gnawings. The incisor teeth of rats grow 4 to 5 Inches a year, so these rodents must do some gnawing each day to keep their teeth short enough to use. When gnawings in wood are fresh, they are light colored and show distinct teeth marks. Small chips of wood or other materials indicate recent gnawing.
Droppings. Fresh droppings of feces usually are moist, soft, shiny and dark, but in a few days they become dry and hard. Old droppings are dull and grayish and crumble when pressed with a stick. The roof rat's droppings are up to 1/2 inch long, spindle shaped and curved in contrast to Norway rat droppings which are about the same length but comparatively blunt. Mouse feces are small, Averaging about 1/8 inch long, and are pointed on both ends.
Gnawings. The incisor teeth of rats grow 4 to 5 Inches a year, so these rodents must do some gnawing each day to keep their teeth short enough to use. When gnawings in wood are fresh, they are light colored and show distinct teeth marks. Small chips of wood or other materials indicate recent gnawing.
Urine. Dried rodent urine will fluoresce bluish white to yellowish white. Commercial black lights often are used to detect rodent urine.
Sounds. Gnawing, clawing, climbing in walls, squeaks and fighting noises may be heard.
Visual sighting. Observation of rats in daylight generally Indicates a high or moderately high population in the area. Night observations with a powerful flashlight or spotlight often are helpful.
In addition we will search for runways, rub marks, odors and other indicators of current or past infestation. We will work with your schedule to remove any and all signs of rodents as well as ensure techniques to help prevent future issues.