The Arizona summer is a scorcher, and the high temperatures make us all want to stay inside where it’s cool. But we aren’t the only ones looking to retreat indoors. Mesa deals with different rodent infestations all through the late summer months. Pro Active Pest Control provides reliable pest control in Mesa, and we want you to be prepared so rodents don’t cause substantial damage to your property.
What Animals Are Considered Rodents?
Rodents are a type of mammal with incisors in the upper and lower jaw. They have strong and complex muscles around their mouths as well. All of this makes them relentless chewers, which is where most property damage comes from with these pests. They have the habit of gnawing into wood and other materials to stymie the constant growth of their sharp incisors. The term "rodent" includes mice, rats, beavers, squirrels, and prairie dogs. Common types of rodents in Arizona are:
- Pack rats
- Roof rats
- Deer mice
- House mice
Several types of pack rat exist in Arizona, but they are distinct from roof rats because of their proclivities and physical appearance. Pack rats build messy nests. They have furry tails, are larger, and tend to look shaggier. Roof rats have no fur on their tail and are prone to nesting on roofs, in attics, or in the ceilings of houses. House mice and deer mice are smaller than rats.
Why Are Rodents In My Garden?
Many Arizona rodents rely on humans for the essentials. They all seek food, water, and shelter, and a garden seems like another natural landscape for them, providing all of their needs in abundance. Both rats and mice eat fruits and vegetables. Add this to the daily watering in a garden, and you’re satiating and hydrating these pests. Pack rats will build nests using wood or debris, and gardens can have a lot of this available to them. If you see mice in your garden, it might mean they’ve reached the house, too. Tiny rodents can go undetected, so seeing one could mean more are around.
How Can I Tell If Rodents Are Damaging My Home?
Whether rats or mice, rodents chew away at wood to inhibit overgrowth of their incisors. They also spread pathogens by venturing into the depths of filthy, neglected spaces. It’s not just wood that these pests chew. They can also bite through wires, insulation, and furniture. Signs of a rodent infestation are:
- Small droppings
- Gnaw marks on house décor or food packages
- Strong odor from frequent urination
- Footprints and tail imprints in dust
- Scattered debris from collecting nesting materials
- The sound of rodents in the walls like scratching, scurrying, or thumping
As pest control professionals at Pro Active Pest Control, we want you to stay safe. Even if you don’t think mice have been through an area, they may have tracked in bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Sanitize and wash food preparation surfaces before using.
How To Stop A Rodent Infestation
The main goal of any homeowner is to avoid infestations. To make sure rodents don’t find your house as their next installation, practice these prevention tips:
- Seal and caulk all gaps and cracks on the exterior of the house. A hole as small as 1/4 of an inch can invite small rodents like mice.
- Put all food away in airtight containers.
- Clean all cooking surfaces immediately after or while preparing the meal.
- Use sealable trash cans.
- Clean behind appliances.
Prevention can go far, especially in the later summer months. But once rodents get in, the infestation can quickly get out of control. We are rodent control specialists at Pro Active Pest Control. Our progressive and eco-friendly company is state-certified to get rid of rodents and pests with the latest and most effective methods. We’ve been providing immaculate pest clean-up since 2014 with a 100% guarantee. Call us if your house is being invaded.