Many people will wonder how common rat and mice infestations are in Utah. The answer is they are quite common. There are a number of rodents that live with humans and inside human structures and domains. They will invade anywhere that provides them food, water, and shelter. Rentokil will share what species may be living at your side and how you can prevent an infestation.
Common Rodents Found in Utah
Utah is home to many invasive rodent species, both mice and rats alike. Some of the species that live closest to humans are the white-footed mice, deer mice, harvest mice, the black rat (or sometimes called the roof rat), and the wood rat. However, the two main species found inside homes are the Norway rat and House mouse.
Diseases Spread By Mice & Rats to Humans
Both mice and rats could potentially be carrying harmful diseases and parasites that can affect humans. One particular disease is the Hantavirus known to be carried by the deer mouse. However, cases in Utah are very rare. Besides the disease that threatens humans, we also face the destruction they cause. Rodents can be chewing through plumbing, electrical wiring, and cause structural damages to your home. They quickly contaminate food and other household goods. Due to the many threats rodents pose, it is important to protect your home and prevent major infestations.
How to Prevent Rodent Infestations
If you have identified a rodent problem, you will want to take steps.
• First, identify how mice or rats are getting into your home. Begin a thorough inspection. Start on the outside of your home. Look for gaps or openings or even structural damages. Mice can fit through an opening ¼ of an inch in size. When repairing holes, use a concrete mix or metal to repair or patch up holes and gaps.
• Next, clean up the yard. Remove overgrown or thick vegetation that provides rodents cover and shelter. They will hide or use them to travel. Prune brush so the bottom is open and prune back branches of trees that may be touching the roof. Remove all yard debris and clutter.
• Pet owners should do daily feedings and avoid leaving food out for pets. Water should be kept inside and out of the reach of rodents. Also, make sure to remove pet waste daily. Rodents will feed on feces. Also, pet food should be sealed in pest-proof containers.
• Repair all of your home plumbing inside and outside, thereby removing any potential water sources. Seal away food in airtight steel or glass containers. Rodents can and will chew through plastic.
• For a major rodent infestation use traps. Place the trap by major traffic sites. If you need further help it is recommended you seek the aid of a licensed pest control company. They can help place traps, provide bait and poison in certain situations and remove used traps.
Rodent Control
Controlling rodents can be difficult. They can climb, jump and squeeze through the smallest of cracks. If you need the assistance of a professional pest control company, then contact Rentokil. We provide rodent control services and can help you get your home under control and rodent-free.
Need Help with Rodent Control?
Avoid Diseases Spread By Mice & Rats in Ogden, UT; Rodent Control & Prevention Methods in Salt Lake County and Northern Utah
Serving Northern Utah and Southern Idaho since 1999