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Rodents

Rodents make up about 40% of all mammal species, which equates to 1,500 different types of animals. This class of creatures includes rats, mice, beavers, porcupines, squirrels, guinea pigs, gophers, and hamsters.

What are rodents?

Rodents are mammals identified by their front incisors, which continuously grow throughout their lives. Their sharp front teeth and the destruction they cause with their teeth are one of the many reasons we don’t want rodents sharing our spaces.

There are thousands of different rodent species that live worldwide in almost any habitat. In the Boise area, the mouse and rat are the most common rodents to cause trouble in our yards and homes. Regular visits from a home pest control professional in Boise are effective to help you identify and prevent rodents from invading.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents pose many dangers and threaten our yards, homes, and health.

  • Rodents spread bacteria and many disease-causing pathogens.
  • They introduce and spread parasites like fleas and ticks to our yards and homes.
  • Rodents chew through wires, pipes, and cables.
  • Their chewing and scratching behaviors damage drywall, cabinets, furniture, and other items.
  • Rodent infestations can trigger fires, short circuits, and even mold issues.
  • Mice and rats can be loud and keep you up at night with their running and scratching sounds.
  • Dealing with rodents adds stress to your already hectic life.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodents know that living with people betters their lives. Unfortunately, living with rodents does not better our lives! Rodents are adaptable pests and are very good at learning through trial and error. If your property is where their food, water, and shelter needs can be met, rodents like rats and mice won’t hesitate to make themselves at home.

Rodents are problem solvers. If they can’t get into your trash can one day, they will look for another food source. If they can’t find an entrance into your home, they will create one on their own.

Where will I find rodents?

Rodents are prey animals; they like to live in places that allow them to remain hidden from their predators. In our yards, mice and rats reside in woodpiles, under fallen trees, within tall grass or dense vegetation, and under things like decks, foundations, and sheds.

When rodents decide to move into our homes, they quickly move to quiet, less-traveled areas like attics, basements, and wall voids. They also regularly nest behind cabinets and large appliances and under pieces of large furniture.

When rodents are in your home, you will likely notice signs of their presence before seeing these nocturnal critters, such as noises, droppings, odors, and gnaw marks.

How do I get rid of rodents?

The best way to accurately identify the rodents that have found their way to your property is to partner with a professional. It is essential to know which rodents you are dealing with since each has its own habitats, behaviors, and other preferences. You can trust the professionals at Affinity Pest control and our over 20 years of experience to provide you with pest control service plans in Boise that are effective, responsible, and eco-friendly.

We are committed to our customers and providing high-quality treatments that are safe for your home, family, and pets. For more information about ridding your Idaho property of rodents with the help of the professionals at Affinity Pest Control and our guaranteed home pest control and commercial exterminator services in Boise, call today!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

The most effective way to prevent rodent problems is to partner with us at Affinity Pest Control and implement the following prevention tips:

  • Make it difficult for rodents to find food in your yard by keeping lids on trash cans, regularly harvesting gardens, removing bird feeders, and making sure outdoor eating areas are free of leftover food.
  • Avoid providing rodents with access to food in your home by regularly washing dishes, removing trash daily, and frequently vacuuming and wiping down surfaces.
  • Keep rodents out of your home by looking at its exterior and sealing any openings or gaps you discover, no matter how small they may be. Rodents have flexible skeletons and can move through spaces much smaller than their bodies. Always keep caps on chimneys and screens over vents and drains.
  • Make your yard less hospitable to rodents by regularly mowing, removing brush piles, keeping shrubbery pruned, and removing unnecessary clutter and yards debris.
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