Rodents

Rodents sometimes carry harmful diseases which can spread to people through bites, contaminated food and water, germs from rodent urine or droppings that are in the air. Disease is also spread from rodent ticks, mites, and fleas. Rats and mice are present nearly everywhere on earth where there are humans. Solving rodent issues requires an understanding of their characteristics and habits. Fortunately, they can be predictable.

Solving rodent issues requires an understanding of their characteristics and habits.

Roof Rat or Tree Rat

Roof rats are climbers and often infest attic areas and walls. By nature they can easily scale tree limbs, clinging vines or along overhead wires and utility lines. Like all rats and mice their front teeth are constantly growing so they need to gnaw to keep them worn down. They will readily chew wood siding, concrete, insulation or electrical wires – though they will eat almost anything and aren’t always up high; sometimes in rockeries, crawl spaces or wood piles.

Norway Rat or Sewer Rat

Unlike the Roof rat, the bigger Norway rat likes to burrow in the ground, sewers (also called Sewer rats), cellars or garbage areas. They are excellent swimmers, nocturnal and often in groups. They eat a lot and drink lots of water.

Mice

Mice can squeeze through an opening as small as ¼ inch and, while smaller than rats, they are found in groups, breed quickly and have several litters a year. They also gnaw on most anything and contaminate food meant for humans or pets. They shelter in protected nests in walls or basements or attics and will leave droppings and odors and multiply quickly.

Prevention

The best way to prevent a rodent infestation is to remove their sources of food, water, and shelter. Trim landscaping against the home or building, seal all vents and exterior gaps, clean debris and remove any pet food or waste outside, keep wood piles away from exterior walls and above ground 12” or more and place food waste in city yard bins not home outdoor composting.

We are happy to offer rodent exclusion services to compliment prevention methods.

Other Rodents

Paratex will service mole issues on a case by case basis or for existing customers. For other rodents (squirrels, voles, mountain beavers, etc.) we are always happy to help with referrals based on your area and situation or provide further information that may help.