San Antonio Rodent Control

Rodent Control in San Antonio, TX

Don’t Worry, We’re Experts!

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Many of us like having furry animals like dogs and cats around. Mice and rats? Not so much. These rodents belong outside and if you have cats, you may never have a mouse problem. But sometimes rats and mice make their way inside buildings, including homes.

And these rodents are not innocent creatures. Mice and rats have sharp teeth that can cause a lot of damage to your home. On top of that, they are known to spread approximately three dozen diseases. An infestation can be costly and unhealthy, which is why if you notice the signs, you need to act quickly.

Infested with mice or rats? See how Stride Pest Control can help you reclaim your home. While we don’t handle raccoons, possums, and other large rodents, we have the means to get your home free of smaller rodents. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Rats vs. Mice: What’s the Difference?

Mice and rats have some similarities. They are both active at night and can reproduce rapidly. These rodents also have poor eyesight and are commonly found traveling along walls, which help guide them. They tend to rely on their whiskers to figure out where they are going. They can squeeze through openings under ½ inch. If they can’t fit, then they may chew around the obstacle. Rats and mice have the ability to gnaw through cinder blocks, aluminum siding, and even glass.

However, these rodents are also different from each in many ways. Rats are larger than mice. They have larger feet and heads as well as coarser fur. Mice tend to nibble on food. It may take more than 20 visits to finish off food from a source. Rats, on the other hand, are more gluttonous and will eat most or all of their food in one sitting. Mice are easier to trap because they are curious about new things, while rats are more cautious.

Rats cannot survive a long time without water. Surprisingly, mice can go without water for a month or longer because they extract water from the food they consume. Mice prefer grains and seeds, while rats will eat almost anything they can find.

Some mice live their entire lives indoors. Some rats, such as Norway rats, hardly go indoors. Mice like to live on lower levels, like near foundations and shrubs and even below structures. Roof rats, on the other hand, like to be up high and can be found in trees and attics.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Mice and rats typically come out at night, but if you have an infestation, you could see the signs any time of the day. Here are some things to look for:

• Droppings. Mice and rat droppings are rod-shaped and up to ¼ inch long.
• Footprints. Rodent footprints are easy to identify. You’ll see four-toed prints (front feet) and five-toed prints (hind feet).
• Gnaw marks. Rodents like to chew, so you might see gnaw marks on food containers, walls, and other areas of the home.
• Debris. You may see shells of nuts, half-eaten fruit, or bones around the house.
• Rub marks. Rodents will leave greasy, oily marks along walls, beams and other areas they travel.
• Burrow holes. If you see holes outside around your home, this may be a sign of mice and rats trying to burrow into your home.
• Noises. You may hear squeaking, scratching, and gnawing sounds around the home, indicating a rodent problem.
• Sightings. Mice are shy and usually won’t come out if people are present. However, you might still see one or two scurrying around, especially at night.
• Changes in pet behavior. Your dogs and cats may be restless or excited if they notice mice and rats in your home.

If you notice these signs, you can try DIY approaches such as mousetraps and see if they solve your problem. However, keep in mind that even if you catch a couple rodents, there could be dozens more. Mice and rats multiply quickly. They can have babies every month, causing a huge infestation in your home in no time. Get professional help from Stride Pest Control before the rodents take control.

Why Rodents Are Hazards

Mice and rats may seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage to a home as well as health problems for its occupants. Mice and rats and mice are known to spread at least 35 diseases that can cause harm to occupants of a home, including people and pets. Some diseases that rodents can spread include:

• Plague
• Salmonellosis
• Leptospirosis
• Hantavirus
• Rat bite fever

These diseases can be passed on to humans and pets in a variety of ways. They can be passed on through direct contact such as rat bites, as well as handling infected rats (dead or alive), as well as eating food or drinking water contaminated with rat urine, hair, feces, or saliva. It is also possible to be infected by breathing dust contaminated with the urine and feces of infected rats.

Besides illnesses and diseases, rodents can cause significant damage to a home. They may gnaw through lead and aluminum sheeting and chew through electrical wiring. This can lead to fires and structural damage, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damages.

Because of the harm they cause, you need to keep rodents out of your house to protect yourself and your family. The best way to do this is to deny them food and shelter, as those are the two main reasons why they want to come into your home.

Contact Our Pest Control Experts Today

Rodents such as mice and rats are often seen as cute and cuddly, but it’s not fun to have them in your house. These rodents can destroy your home and make you ill.

Established in 2013, Stride Pest Control is an extermination company that services San Antonio and Austin. We use only the best products, application methods, and safety protocols. Stride Pest Control can help you get rid of these annoying pests for good. To schedule a consultation with our pest control experts today, call (210) 940-3902 or fill out the online form.

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