• Residential

    Rodent Control in Thomasville

The Thomasville area has no shortage of pesky critters that cause problems for the folks that live in this region. Rodents are among the critters that bedevil us, and the peskiest are also the two most common rodents: mice and rats. Rodents are annoying and startling – and they can even be dangerous.

If you’re dealing with a rodent problem of any scale, don’t hesitate to call Dixon Pest Services for rodent control services. Our team will be on hand as soon as possible to help protect your home or business from these invaders.

Which Rodents are Most Common in Thomasville?

While there are many types of rodents in South Georgia and North Florida, these are the four species that most often get into homes.

Deer Mice

  • Brown fur.
  • Approximately 5-8 inches in length.
  • Prefer less trafficked areas like outbuildings, as well as quieter parts of the home like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Are attracted to food sources and safe, comfortable locations to nest (such as homes.)

House Mice

  • Dusty gray fur.
  • Only 2 ½ to 3 ¾ inches long – can easily squeeze through even the smallest of holes.
  • More commonly found in homes (hence the name.)
  • Leaves behind waste and can cause damage to homes through gnawing and scratching.

Roof Rats

  • Dark brown or black fur with a lighter underbelly.
  • 6-8 inches long.
  • Excellent climbing skills that allow them to easily access the roofs of buildings.

Norway Rats

  • Brown or gray fur with a shaggier appearance.
  • Can grow up to 9 ½ inches long.
  • Enter buildings at ground level and can also gain access by burrowing beneath structures, causing further damage.

Are Rats and Mice Dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous in 2 key ways: they can cause structural damage by gnawing and carry and spread diseases. Diseases are spread through rodent urine, feces, and saliva. They can also carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning and can introduce parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks to your house. While the rodents themselves can transmit disease, it is far more likely for these parasites to do so.

According to the CDC, they can directly transmit the following diseases:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM)
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • South American Arenaviruses (Argentine hemorrhagic fever, Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, Sabiá-associated hemorrhagic fever, Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever)
  • Tularemia

Rats and mice can also cause serious structural damage. When they gnaw through electrical wires, they can even cause a fire risk. According to PestWorld, rodents may be responsible for up to a quarter of all house fires without a known origin.

What do Mice and Rats Eat?

It’s a common perception that rodents love cheese – but this is a misconception. A rodent’s primary diet in the wild is built more on carbohydrates like seeds, grains, and fruits, rather than protein- and fat-dense foods like cheese. With that said, rodents aren’t exactly picky; they’ll eat almost anything they can get their paws on, so it’s best to keep all foods out of their reach.

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How Long Do Rats And Mice Live?

Mice can live for about two years, and rats can live slightly longer as long as they have access to food and water.

Why does this matter? Naturally, this means if you don’t take care of your rodent problem it could carry on for 2+ years with the same rodents. But even more importantly, withholding rodent control treatment can allow female rodents to reproduce many, many times. Here’s exactly how big the problem can get, by the numbers:

  • Mice can get pregnant 5-10 times a year and have an average of 6-8 mouse babies per litter which equals up to 80 baby mice per female mouse each year.
  • Rats can get pregnant up to 7 times a year with 5-12 rat babies a litter, which equals up to 84 baby rats per female rat each year.

If that sounds like a lot, it is – but it’s not even the worst of it. Mice reach reproductive maturity at four weeks old, and rats can reproduce at five weeks old. It’s not hard to see how your rodent problem could quickly spiral out of control.

Signs of Rodents in Your Thomasville Home

The signs of rodents can be obvious, but some are more subtle. The most common signs, according to the EPA, are:

  • Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink.
  • Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter.
  • Signs of chewing on food packaging.
  • Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home.
  • Stale smells coming from hidden areas.

If you notice these signs, you may already have a rodent infestation on your hands. Don’t hesitate to call Dixon Pest Services for residential pest control services.

How Mice and Rats Get Into Homes

Mice and rats can both fit through tiny spaces that would seem impossible based on their size. However, they can fit through any gap big enough for their heads. Some common spaces that a mouse or rat can squeeze through include:

  • Cracks in the foundation.
  • Uncovered chimneys.
  • Gaps around window frames.
  • Broken screens on windows or doors.
  • Gaps around doors.
  • Flimsy aluminum soffits.
  • Plastic vent covers or dryer vents.
  • Holes in eaves and rooflines.
  • Openings around plumbing, cables, and gas lines.

How Do I Keep Mice and Rats Out?

So how can you prevent rodents? There are a few important things that you can do:

  • Seal holes inside and outside the home to keep rodents out. This may be as simple as plugging or patching holes in your home’s walls. This process is called rodent exclusion.
  • Remove potential rodent harborage from your property, including leaf piles and deep mulch.
  • Clean up food and water sources in and near your house.
  • Keep kitchen garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Turn compost piles to cover newly added food scraps.
  • Stop feeding outdoor birds while controlling an infestation.

Count on Dixon Pest Services for All Your Rodent Control Needs

With all the facts laid out, we can see that there’s always a chance that a rodent problem can become more than a nuisance. It’s also clear that rodents are crafty; it’s likely they’ll find a way around any DIY measure you take.

That’s why professional rodent control from Dixon Pest Services is your best choice. Our services will get rid of rodents and make sure they stay gone, keep your home and loved ones safe, and our preventive pest plan can keep rodents from ever getting indoors in the first place.

Give us a call to get started with a free quote!

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Rodent Control in Thomasville in Thomasville, GA

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