Rats and mice can become a major problem if not handled immediately; billions of dollars in property damage are made by rodents every year and they are a dangerous vector for deadly diseases like bubonic plague and Hantavirus. The main issue for home owners is that they damage property by chewing holes into the structure, damaging electrical wiring, cable, and telephone lines. In the slide show above is an example of damaged wiring; one of the main causes of structural fire is faulty wiring. Because rodents can wreak such havoc and, in the worst case scenario, end up costing you everything you own now is the time to deal with it. Call Verikill at 844-TOO-KILL to protect your home or business from rodents.
Rat Biology
Rats are not native to North America they were brought here by the first Europeans to arrive hundreds of years ago. They soon spread throughout the continent adapting quickly to their new surroundings. The Norway rat is the species most common to Southern California with recessed ears and short tail they are adapted for burrowing their way into the ground but are always looking to upgrade their digs by moving into nearby structures. As opposed to the next most common species the roof rat which has big ears and a tail longer than its body. Rats like warm dry surroundings with a readily available food and water source just like we do so if your home looks inviting and there is an access point they will use it to become part of your family or the new unwanted employee. While they prefer meat and fish rats will eat just about anything. Because their teeth never stop growing Rats must constantly gnaw on something to file their teeth down, even chewing through copper pipe. Norway rats can live up to two years and reach sexual maturity between 3 – 5 months. Females have between 3 to 6 litters per year with an average of 7 to 8 young per litter. It doesn’t take mathematician to calculate that an unchecked rodent problem can become a monster in a short amount of time.
Mice
The house mouse is believed to have its origins in Central Asia but is now spread throughout the world. Ranging in size between 2.5 – 3.5 inches it is the number one rodent in terms of the damage they cause followed by the Norway and Roof rat. Mice contaminate food with their feces, damage structures, and are a vector for disease like Salmonella, Typhus, and plague.
Biology
Mice reach sexual maturity very quickly, 35 days after birth they are ready to start their first brood. Their gestation period is a mere 19 days, they have between 5 – 6 mice per litter, and 8 litters per year. One breeding pair of mice could potentially yield 64 mice per year but in reality it’s hundreds because their young will produce young of their own. Mice can withstand cold temperatures and it’s not uncommon to find them infesting large commercial refrigerators. Like rats when a mouse problem is made manifest quick action is recommended.
Treatment Strategy
The strategy for treating rodents is dependent upon where they reside and the magnitude of the infestation; typically treatment involves a combination of trapping and the use of poison baits. Typically 6 months of consecutive service is required with the first two months being the most intense. If killing mice and rats is something that causes you discomfort we recommend that you use another company. At VERIKILL we are about the business of killing pest not relocating them to become someone else’s problem. Killing rodents is something we are very good at so you can count on prompt professional service in solving your problem.
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