Rodent Identification Guide | Protection Termite Control

What You Need To Know About Rodents

The Phoenix area is plagued by rodents of all kinds, and perhaps most seriously by species such as house mice and pack rats. Although both of these species come with their own unique characteristics, the effects they leave behind are relatively equal in severity. Today, Phoenix remains within the top 50 rattiest cities in America, and there is no sign of this abating anytime soon.

It’s critical to identify rats and mice before they settle down around your home or business. The sooner you discover a pending infestation, the sooner you can protect yourself (and your property) from significant harm. Here’s everything you should know about rodents in Phoenix, including where they live, the damages they cause, and the best ways to get rid of them fast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodents

What are rodents?

Rodents are small fur-covered mammals characterized by long tails, cylindrical snouts, and strong front teeth. These creatures typically make a high-pitched ‘squeaking’ sound when disturbed, although they are otherwise silent while moving from location to location.

There are two different species that are endemic to Phoenix: pack rats and house mice. These species share many similarities up front; they are both nocturnal and attracted to pantries, for example. However, they also have their own fair share of differences. While pack rats are known to infest buses and cars, house mice prefer to live in attics, crawl spaces, and basements.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous for many reasons, the most obvious being their ability to physically attack people and pets. Rats and mice both have sharp teeth and claws and will not hesitate to use them if the need arises.

Rats and mice are also well-known for their disease-spreading capabilities. A single rat or mouse can spread up to 30 different diseases depending on exposure and transmission medium.

Finally, rodents are destructive pests with a dangerous habit of chewing and gnawing. In addition to eating through packaged food and boring holes in your walls and wooden structures, rats and mice can wreak havoc on electrical wires and even destroy your car if left unchecked.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodents prefer to target homes or businesses with easily exploitable entry points. Cracks and gaps the size of a quarter are all they need to get inside.

Many rodents can survive on very little food or water, which means even tiny crumbs or leaky pipes can draw them inside. Once they’ve settled down, they’ll stay for months or even years; or at least until you put a treatment plan into action.

Every property owner in Phoenix carries some risk for a rodent infestation, even if their preventative measures are perfectly airtight. For this reason, it’s important to seek professional assistance to keep your home or business in tip-top condition.

Where will I find rodents?

All rodents prefer dark, cluttered areas away from heavy traffic and potentially out of sight. Pack rats may live inside your car or in another habitable area on the ground. House mice, in contrast, enjoy interior spaces such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces.

It’s important to look for rodent activity both inside and outside your home. Failure to do so may leave room for pests to establish themselves and potentially make their way into your Phoenix property.

How do I get rid of rodents?

The best way to get rid of rodents around your Phoenix property is to get in touch with the experts at Protection Termite Control. We offer customizable rodent treatment plans for all our customers, as well as pest-free outcomes you can see for yourself.

Get peace of mind for your local home or business and eliminate rodents completely. Start your mouse or rat treatment protocol today by contacting Protection Termite Control for rodent and home pest control in Phoenix.

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

Already scheduled a rodent control service? Here are some rodent prevention tips to control rats and mice in the future:

Use caulk, wire mesh, or specialty materials to keep rats and mice from exploiting entry points.
Replace the screens on your doors and windows to defend your property from would-be invaders.
Repair leaky pipes and clogged drains in your building, then run a dehumidifier to eliminate lingering moisture.
Limit the amount of food, crumbs, or trash left outside your property.
Connect with the team at Protection Termite Control to develop an ongoing rodent-proofing system for your property.