Facts You May Not Know About Rodents

Rodents can be quite creepy, especially if they gain access to your home and start scampering about in the dead of night. There’s nothing worse than waking up to an unfamiliar chewing and gnawing noise or seeing a rodent scurrying around your living space. 

How common are rodent infestations?

A professional exterminator will tell you that rodents are the most common mammal in the United States, and Atlanta is consistently ranked among the top cities for rodent infestations in the country. Knowing this, it’s not a surprise to discover that most homeowners report dealing with a rodent infestation at one time or another. Since these creepy creatures are so common, you may think you know all there is to know about them but think again. Here are ten fascinating rodent facts you might not already know!

What are the signs of a rodent infestation?

• Scratching noises in your walls or ceiling.
• Gnaw marks on furniture or food packaging.
• Rodent droppings around your home.

What should I know about rodents?

• They eat 15-20 times a day.
• Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
• They only live to be about 2 years old.
• They are known to spread dangerous diseases like Hantavirus and salmonella.
• Rodents are capable of having over 100 offspring in one year.
• Rodents can't sweat or vomit. This is why poisons work so well on them since they have no way to expel them.
• Rats are impressive swimmers and can tread water for up to 3 days.

Can You Flush a Mouse Down the Toilet?

There are many misconceptions and myths about rodents and the best way to get rid of them if you find them in your home. Let's debunk some common myths that might surprise you:

• Cheese is the Best Bait for Rodent Traps: While cartoons may depict mice being lured by cheese, in reality, rodents are more attracted to foods like cereal, dried fruit, and high-sugar items such as chocolate. Using these as bait can be more effective in trapping rodents.
• Cats Will Eliminate Rodent Infestations: While cats are known to hunt mice, they may not be effective at eliminating a full infestation. Cats may not be able to handle a large number of rodents, especially in the case of a rat infestation.
• Rodents Only Infest Dirty Homes: Rodents can infest both clean and unclean homes. While a dirtier environment may attract rodents more easily, they can still find their way into well-maintained homes in search of food, water, and shelter.
• Presence of Rodents During the Day Indicates Severe Infestation: Seeing rodents during the day does not necessarily mean a severe infestation. Rats may come out during daylight hours for various reasons, like hunger or thirst, and the visibility of rodents during the day does not always correlate with the size of the infestation.
• Flushing Mice Down the Toilet: Flushing a mouse down the toilet is not recommended, as both mice and rats can survive being flushed down the toilet and can be harmful to your septic system. When dealing with a dead mouse, it is advised to properly dispose of it by disinfecting the animal, placing it in a sealed plastic bag, and throwing it out in the garbage. Flushing mice down the toilet can lead to potential issues like clogging and backups in the sewer system. 

How do rodents get into my home?

Rodents are in search of warmth, food, and shelter. These three things are offered to them in the dark corners of your home, which is why it is so appealing to them. If they can find part of your home that allows them easy access to food and water and is hidden away enough to where they don't need to interact with humans, it can be very difficult to remove these vermin. The most common ways rodents sneak into your home are:

• Through unsealed cracks and crevices around the foundation of your home.
• Through plumbing.
• Windowsills that are located next to overgrown trees and shrubs.
• Gutters.
• Gnawing their way through vulnerable areas of your exterior.

How do you stop a rodent infestation?

The best way to stop a rodent infestation is to call a local rodent control company. DIY methods are often ineffective and can cause an elongated time that you need to live with rodents in your home. Since these pests carry harmful diseases and can attack humans, it is best to take care of them as quickly and efficiently as possible. Other methods include:

• Snap traps
• Glue traps
• Tubs of water