Rodent Identification & Prevention

Rodents belong to the order Rodentia which means "to gnaw." All rodents have continuously growing front incisors they use to gnaw and cut through objects. Examples of rodents are mice, rats, squirrels, and porcupines.

Rats and mice are the rodents people are most likely to discover in and around their homes. Both mice and rats take advantage of the food, warmth, shelter, and water our Salisbury properties offer. 

The presence of rodents on our properties only benefits the rodents. Rodents are more than just a nuisance to have running around our outdoor spaces and throughout our homes. Rodents pose significant health risks because of the diseases and parasites they spread; fleas, ticks, hantavirus, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever are common examples. 

Food contamination is another big concern; rodents are omnivores and will eat their way through crops, gardens, and your family's kitchen. When rodents live in your home, piles of their excrement and shed fur collect and emit allergens into the air that trigger allergies. Additionally, the build up of rodent urine around their nesting sites produces unpleasant, musty odors. 

As if the above reasons to keep rodents out of your house weren't enough, there is more! Rodents use their sharp front incisors to chew through wires, pipes, walls, cabinets, furniture, and food containers. 

Rodents thrive when living with people. These pests are clever and agile creatures, and if your property offers them access to their basic needs, they will take advantage. Our homes, kitchens, trash cans, bird feeders, and gardens lure them in with the promise of food, shelter, and water. Once rodents discover your property, they will be challenging to evict.

It is essential to understand that while rodent infestations are generally associated with the winter seasons, these curious, opportunistic critters can find their way into our homes anytime. Extreme temperatures, weather conditions, a lack of food outside, and curiosity are most likely to drive rodents from your yard into your home.

Cracks in the foundation, spaces around utilities, gaps in rooflines, and openings around windows and doors are common points of entry for these pests.

Once inside, rodents retreat to quiet, dark places that offer protection and easy access to food sources. Wall voids, the backs of cabinets and closets, inside upholstered furniture, attics, and basement clutter are where we regularly discover nesting rodents.

Discovering rodents in your home will likely leave you with an uneasy feeling. 

The best way to get rid of unwanted rodents is to reach out to a local and committed pest professional that can offer effective rodent control services. Here at Peeler Environmental, we know how damaging rodents and other pests can be and will provide the pest control services necessary to eliminate them and prevent them from returning. 

Our residential pest control services are guaranteed; if pest problems arise between services, we will return to treat. We are here to provide you with exceptional rodent control and peace of mind. If you would like to learn more, please call today!

There are several proactive steps you can take to prevent problems with rodents. Use the following tips to keep rodents away from your Salisbury home. 

• Install door sweeps and make sure screens are intact.
• Repair defects in your roof and foundation.
• Keep tree limbs and vegetation cut back from your house.
• Place mesh screens over vents and chimneys.
• Never place firewood or construction materials near your home's exterior walls. 
• Eliminate food odors from within your home by keeping lids on trash cans, storing food in the fridge or airtight containers, and regularly vacuuming and mopping your house.

No matter how many steps you take to keep rodents out of your home, they are persistent pests and could still become a problem for you and your family. The best defense against rodents is regular pest control services performed by a professional.