Rodent
How to Safely Remove Rodents from Your California Property
Rodents in the home can be unwelcome guests for a variety of reasons, and it’s understandable to want to remove them. You have a lot of reasons to keep rodents away from home.
First and foremost, rodents can carry and transmit various diseases to humans and pets, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever. These diseases can range from mild to severe, and some can even be fatal. Rodent droppings and dander can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals.
Rodents can also cause significant damage to your property. They have strong teeth that can gnaw on wood, wires, pipes, furniture, and insulation. This can cause costly damage to your home and belongings. Not to mention, chewing on electrical wires can create a fire hazard.
If you decide to remove rodents, it’s important to do so safely and humanely. Consult with a professional pest control company to ensure the job is done effectively and without causing harm to the rodents.
Use Bait Stations
Using bait stations to capture rodents is one of the easiest ways to get them out of your home. But you need to identify first the type of rodent present. Knowing whether you’re dealing with mice or rats is crucial for choosing the right station size and bait type. There are tamper-resistant bait stations if you have pets or children at home.
When choosing the bait, select rodenticides approved for your area and target rodents. Consider pellet, block, or liquid forms based on your preference and station compatibility. Always prioritize safety and follow label instructions.
To maximize captivity, look for droppings, gnaw marks, or grease trails to identify their travel routes and nesting areas. Position them along walls, near burrows, entry points, or areas with frequent activity. Space stations 8 to 12 feet apart for mice and 15 to 30 feet apart for rats. Anchor them outdoors to prevent tampering by pets or wildlife.
When loading the bait, follow the label instructions for the amount and placement of bait within the station. Wear gloves while handling rodenticides.
Inspect stations every 1-2 days initially, then adjust the frequency based on bait consumption. Add or replace bait as needed. In addition, keep an eye on signs of decreased rodent activity or dead rodents near the stations. Dispose of dead rodents, wear gloves, and follow local regulations for safe disposal. Continue baiting until signs of rodent activity disappear completely.
Use Traps
If you want a method that involves no rodenticide, mouse traps are the way to go. The type of bait you use will depend on the type of rodent you are trying to trap. Mice are typically attracted to peanut butter, cheese, or chocolate, while rats prefer bacon, hot dogs, or cereal. You can also use natural baits like seeds or nuts.
There are many types of traps, so choose the right one.
Snap traps
These are the classic spring-loaded traps that kill the rodent instantly. They are effective and inexpensive, but can be inhumane and can also accidentally trap non-target animals like pets or birds.
Glue traps
These traps have a sticky surface that the rodent gets stuck on. They are not as effective as snap traps, as the rodent can sometimes escape, and they can be very inhumane as the trapped animal can suffer for an extended period.
Live traps
These traps capture the rodent alive, allowing you to release it outdoors away from your home. They are more humane than snap traps or glue traps, but can be more difficult to set and may not be effective for all types of rodents.
When setting traps, be sure to bait the trap securely and place it in an area where you have seen signs of rodent activity, such as along walls, near droppings, or in dark corners. Check your traps every few hours, especially if you are using live traps. If you have caught a rodent, dispose of it humanely according to local regulations.
Use Smart Pest Control
If you’re looking for a 24/7 automated rodent monitoring tool, using a smart pest control system is the answer. Anticimex’s Smart Pest Control is an intelligent rodent monitoring tool that detects and traps rats around the clock. It’s a proactive approach that uses a proprietary digital device system (called “Smart Connect”) to detect and trap rats around the clock. For more information about Smart Pest Control, call us at 800-901-1102.
Call Rodent Control Experts
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate rodents. We offer QualityPro-certified rodent control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 800-901-1102 to request a quote!
Rodent, Uncategorized
The Role of Rodents in California’s Ecosystems: Friend or Foe?
We see rodents in our homes as a nuisance. But despite their sometimes unwelcome reputation, rodents play a crucial role in California’s ecosystems and the world in general.
Rodents play a diverse and complex role in ecosystems, acting as seed dispersers, nutrient cyclers, prey for predators, ecosystem engineers, and even pollinators. While some concerns exist regarding invasive species and pest outbreaks, it’s important to recognize the significant ecological value that these small mammals bring.
Roles of Rodents in California’s Ecosystems
Rodents play various important roles in ecosystems, and their presence has both direct and indirect effects on the environment. Here are some of the key roles of rodents in ecosystems:
1. Seed dispersal and germination
While rodents can be considered pests in certain contexts, they also play a role in agriculture. Many rodents, such as squirrels, beavers, and chipmunks, bury seeds for later consumption but sometimes forget about them. These buried seeds eventually germinate, contributing to reforestation, wetland creation, and plant diversity. Additionally, some rodents’ digestive systems scarify seeds, aiding in germination and seedling growth.
2. Nutrient cycling
Rodents contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Their activities, such as feeding and burrowing, influence the distribution of organic matter and nutrients in the soil by breaking down plant material and animal waste. This process releases nutrients back into the soil, making them available for other organisms and promoting plant growth.
3. Predator’s prey
Rodents form a vital food source for countless predators, including owls, hawks, snakes, foxes, and even larger carnivores like wolves. Their abundant populations maintain the balance of the food chain and keep predator populations in check.
4. Ecosystem engineering
Many rodents are burrowers, creating intricate tunnels and burrows in the soil. These burrows provide shelter for the rodents themselves and can be used by other animals as well. These burrows also trap rainwater, contributing to drought resilience in grassland ecosystems. The digging and burrowing activities of rodents help in soil aeration, water infiltration, and nutrient cycling.
5. Pollination
Certain rodents, like kangaroo rats, pollinate various plant species while foraging for pollen and nectar. This helps maintain plant diversity and reproductive success in certain ecosystems.
6. Insect control
Some rodent species, such as certain types of mice and rats, are opportunistic feeders and consume insects. By controlling insect populations, rodents indirectly contribute to maintaining the balance of insect communities, preventing outbreaks that could have negative effects on plants and other animals.
7. Indicator species
Changes in rodent populations can serve as indicators of broader ecological shifts or environmental changes. Monitoring rodent populations can provide insights into the health and dynamics of an ecosystem. For example, alterations in their abundance may indicate changes in habitat quality, food availability, or the presence of contaminants.
Despite their important ecological roles, certain rodent species can become pests when their populations grow unchecked, causing damage to crops, structures, and stored food. In such cases, effective pest management strategies may be necessary to mitigate the negative impacts while still recognizing the overall importance of rodents in ecosystems.
Seek Help from Rodent Control Experts
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate rodents. We offer QualityPro-certified rodent control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 800-901-1102 to request a quote!
Rodent
Rodent-Borne Diseases in California: What You Need to Know
Rodents are not just a nuisance that may cause disturbance at night and damage to your garden. They can be a threat to you and your family through the spread of certain diseases.
Did you know? Rats and mice can spread more than 35 diseases. These can be spread directly through contact with live or dead rodents or through feces, urine, saliva, and bites.
What diseases can you get from rodents?
Several diseases can be transmitted to humans through contact with rodents or their waste. Here are some of the most common diseases that can be directly transmitted by rodents to humans:
1. Hantavirus
This virus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness with high mortality rates. It is typically transmitted through inhaling dust containing rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, or through bites.
2. Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, jaundice, and kidney failure. It is transmitted through contact with rodent urine or contaminated water.
3. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)
This viral disease can cause flu-like symptoms, meningitis, and encephalitis. It can be transmitted through contact with rodent saliva, urine, or droppings.
4. Salmonellosis
This bacterial disease can cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. It is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or contaminated food or water.
5. Rat-bite fever
This bacterial infection can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and skin lesions. It is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents.
6. Lassa fever
This viral disease is primarily found in West Africa and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent droppings. Symptoms can include fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
7. Chagas disease
This parasitic disease is primarily found in Latin America and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs,” which often feed on rodents. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rash.
There are also other bacterial diseases that can be passed on through vectors such as insects that live on rodents. For example, plague can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas that live on rodents and Tularemia through the bite of infected ticks or flies, contact with infected animals or their carcasses, or inhalation of contaminated dust. Meanwhile, typhus can also be transmitted through the bite of infected lice or fleas that live on rodents.
Not all rodents carry these diseases. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings to minimize the risk of infection.
Seek Help from Rodent Control Experts
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate spiders. We offer QualityPro-certified spider control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 800-901-1102 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate!
Rodent
Rats vs. Mice: Identifying and Dealing with Most Common Rodents in California
Rats and mice are two of the most common rodents in California, yet they are often mistaken for one another. Fair enough—they almost look the same enough. If you are having a difficult time telling which one is a mouse and which one is a rat, let’s break down the differences between rats and mice.
What’s the Difference Between Rats and Mice?
Rats and mice are both rodents, but they belong to different genera, so they have several key differences in size, appearance, and behavior.
Size
The first thing you should look at is the size. Rats are larger than mice with adults typically growing 6 to 16 inches in length. On the other hand, mice are smaller and more slender, typically only 1 to 4 inches long.
Another visible difference also is the length of the tail with mice typically having longer tails relative to their body size, whereas rats have shorter tails in proportion to their larger bodies. Their ears can tell the difference too as mice have larger ears than rats.
Features
In addition to their size, mice and rats also have some other distinguishing physical features. Rats have thicker, blunter snouts than mice, and their ears are also relatively smaller in proportion to their bodies. Additionally, rats’ tails are typically hairless and scaly, while mice’s tails are covered in fur.
Behavior
In terms of behavior, the difference is subtle. While both mice and rats are known for their ability to adapt to various environments, their behavior can differ.
Rats are often more cautious and may take some time to get used to new objects or changes in their environment. Rats are more social creatures than mice, and they are often seen living in groups or colonies.
Meanwhile, mice tend to be more curious and explorative. But they are more solitary animals, and they tend to avoid contact with other mice.
Additionally, rats are more aggressive and destructive than mice, and they are often considered to be pests. If you need rodent-proofing your property, check out these tips and tricks to help you.
Reproduction
In terms of reproduction, mice and rats are the same prolific breeders. However, their reproductive rates vary.
Female mice reach sexual maturity for 4 to 5 days. Once they get pregnant, they give birth after 19 to 21 days, depending on the species. Each litter consists of 5 to 8 pups. Females can reproduce up to 10 times per year. Newborn mice are blind and hairless.
Meanwhile, female rats are in heat every 4 to 5 days and can go into heat again within 48 hours of giving birth. The gestation period is between 21 and 23 days, depending on the species. Each litter consists of 5 to 12 pups, depending on the species.
Make sure to avoid breeding rodents. Check out the most common causes of rodent infestations.
Seek Help from Rodent Control Experts
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate rodents like rats and mice. We offer QualityPro-certified rodent control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rat Control Service and Mice Control Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 619-494-3380 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate!
Rodent
Rodent-Proofing Your California Garden: 10 Tips and Tricks to Keep Rodents Away
A Norway rat is one of the most common rodents in California that can visit your garden
Your garden is an easy gateway for rodents to your home. If you see at least one rodent in your garden, whether it’s a mouse, a rat, or a gopher, chances are they can get easy entry to your living space.
Did you know? The most common rodents in California like rats and mice can spread more than 35 diseases. The majority of these diseases can be spread to humans directly through contact with rodent feces, urine, or any droppings, picking up of live or dead rodents, and rodent bites.
10 Tips and Tricks to Rodent-Proof Your Garden
Rodents can be a major nuisance in gardens, eating your plants and digging up your soil. The best way to rodent-proof your garden is to make it less inviting. To do that, here are some things you need to do:
1. Eliminate food sources
It’s easy for rodents to follow where food is. Oftentimes, they can find it in your garden. This includes fallen fruit from trees, your compost pile outside, and leftover pet food. As much as possible, clean up these food sources or cover them well so rodents don’t get lured into your garden.
2. Remove access points
Rodents like rats and mice can squeeze through surprisingly small holes, so you might want to consider sealing up any cracks or openings in your garden walls or fences. You can use wire mesh or metal flashing to seal up these holes or gaps.
3. Use traps
If you have a rodent infestation in your garden, you can use traps to get rid of them. There are a variety of traps available, including live traps, snap traps, and glue traps.
You may also use bait stations which you get at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. There are a variety of bait available, including poison bait and block bait. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bait carefully, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
4. Use natural deterrents
One trick you can use to keep rodents away is using deterrents. There are a number of natural deterrents that you can use to keep rodents out of your garden. These include planting peppermint, spearmint, or castor beans. You can also sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your garden.
5. Get a cat
You know it—cats are natural predators of rodents, so having a cat in your garden can help to keep them at bay.
6. Trim trees and shrubs
Trim trees and shrubs back away from your house. This will make it harder for rodents to climb up to your roof or enter your home through the eaves.
7. Keep gutters and downspouts clean
Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. This will help to prevent moisture from building up around your foundation, which can attract rodents.
8. Store firewood away
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house. Rodents like to nest in woodpiles, so keeping them away from your home will help to deter them.
9. Do regular inspections
Inspect your home regularly for signs of rodents. This includes droppings, gnaw marks, and nests. If you see any signs of rodents, take action immediately to get rid of them.
10. Call a rodent control expert
If you have a severe rodent infestation in your garden, or if you’re not comfortable dealing with the problem yourself, you can call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the source of the infestation and recommend the best course of treatment.
Seek Help from Rodent Control Experts
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate rodents. We offer QualityPro-certified rodent control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 619-494-3380 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate!
Rodent
The Most Common Rodents in California: A Comprehensive Guide
A brown and white rat
California is home to a diverse range of rodents, with over 35 species identified within the state. These rodents encompass a variety of sizes and habitats, from the tiny deer mouse to the larger California ground squirrel. Get to know the most common rodents in California and find out whether or not they are harmful.
1. Norway Rat
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a large, brown rat that is common in urban areas in California, especially in dark, damp places. They are infamous for their size and their ability to carry diseases. Also known as the brown or sewer rat, this is the most common rat species in California and the United States. Their favorite habitats include sewers, drains, basements, crawl spaces, and attics. They are also found in parks, gardens, and other outdoor areas.
Adult Norway rats can grow up to 16 inches in length, including their tail. They have a heavyset body with a short, blunt snout, small ears, and small, beady eyes. Their fur is typically coarse and brown or gray, but it can also be black or white.
Norway rats can be a major pest in homes and businesses capable of damaging your property, contaminating food, and spreading diseases. They can also be a nuisance, as they will often make noise and leave droppings.
If you need help with rodent infestation, check out the most common causes of rodent infestation and prevention tips.
2. Roof Rat
The roof rat (Rattus rattus) is a medium-sized, black rat native to Asia but has spread to urban areas around the world, including California. This rodent is known for its ability to climb trees and its nesting habit in attics and roofs. Also known as the black rat or the house rat, this species is smaller and more agile than the Norway rat.
Adult roof rat typically measures 7 to 10 inches, including their tail. It has a slender body with a long, pointed snout, large ears, and large, dark eyes. Its fur is typically sleek and black or brownish-gray, with a lighter underside.
Like most rats, roof rats can be a nuisance as they will often make noise and leave droppings. They can also cause damage to property, contaminate food, and carry diseases.
3. House Mouse
The house mouse (Mus musculus) is the smallest of the three most common rodents in California, usually found in homes and other human-occupied structures. House mice are known for their ability to squeeze through small openings and their habit of nesting in walls, kitchens, pantries, basements, and attics.
The fur of house mice is typically gray or brown on the top, with a lighter gray or white underside. They have a pointed snout, small ears, and large, black eyes. Their body grows between 2.5 to 4 inches and a tail length of 3 to 4 inches.
House mice can be a major pest in homes and businesses. They can damage property, contaminate food, and spread diseases. They can also be a nuisance, as they will often run around at night, make noise, and leave droppings.
4. California Deer Mouse
California deer mice (Peromyscus californicus) are small, brown rodents with large ears and large eyes usually found in grasslands, forests, and suburban areas. They are the most abundant rodents in North America, and yes they can be found throughout California but are more common in central and southern, from the coast to the mountains. They are not as commonly found in homes as the house mouse, but they can be a nuisance in rural areas.
Their dorsal fur varies from pale yellow to reddish brown, often with a darker stripe along the back, while their abdominal fur is creamy white or grayish white. Their tail is dark brown on the upperside and white on the underside. Their body length grows between 2.5 to 3.5 inches while their tail grows between 4 to 5.5 inches.
California deer der mouse can carry hantavirus, a potentially serious illness, so it’s crucial to avoid direct contact with deer mice or their droppings.
5. Western Jumping Mouse
The western jumping mouse (Zapus princeps) is a small, brown mouse with long hind legs and a long tail. Jumping mice are found in meadows, forests, and along streams in western North America, including California. They can make impressive leaps; it’s in their name for a reason.
Their body grows between 7 to 10 inches, including their tail. Their hind legs are significantly longer than their front legs, giving them a distinctive kangaroo-like appearance. The fur of western jumping mice is typically dark grayish-brown on the upper body, with a broad yellow to red band along the flanks and a pale yellowish-white underside. Their ears are large and dark, and their eyes are large and black. Some individuals may have white spots on the upper body or on the tip of the tail.
Western jumping mice play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of insects and prey for various predators, including owls, snakes, and foxes. They are also an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. Western jumping mice are not typically considered pests and are not known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. However, if you encounter a western jumping mouse in your home or property, it is best to avoid direct contact and contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or pest control professional for assistance.
6. California Ground Squirrel
The California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), also known as Beechey ground squirrel, is a large, ground-dwelling rodent that is common in open habitats throughout California such as meadows, fields, and oak woodlands. Ground squirrels are known for their distinctive yellow-brown fur and their habit of standing up on their hind legs to look around.
Their body grows between 10 to 14 inches, while their tail grows between 5 to 7 inches. They have mottled dorsal fur with a mixture of gray, light brown, and dusky hairs and a darker gray stripe that extends from the head down to the middle of the back. The shoulders and sides of the head are a lighter gray while they have white fur around the eyes.
Ground squirrels can cause damage to crops and gardens and can carry fleas and other parasites.
7. California Vole
The California vole (Microtus californicus) is a small, brown rodent found in moist habitats throughout California, including meadows, forests, and along streams. They are not typically found in homes, but they can be a nuisance if they invade gardens or other areas around homes.
Their body grow between 3.5 to 5 inches and their tail grows between 2 to 3 inches. Their abdominal fur is grayish white, while their dorsal fur varies from tawny olive to reddish brown, sometimes with a darker stripe along the back. The tail is dark brown on the upper side and grayish-white on the underside.
California voles can cause damage to crops and gardens and can carry hantavirus.
8. Porcupine
Porcupine is a large, brown rodent with long, sharp spines. Porcupines are found in forests, mountains, and deserts throughout California. In California, two porcupine species are
found: the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) and the Mexican porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum nigrescens).
Porcupines are among the largest rodents in California. North American porcupines typically measure 25 to 36 inches in length, not including their tail, while Mexican porcupines are slightly smaller, with a body length of 24 to 30 inches.
Porcupines are nocturnal animals, with most activity occurring at night. They are excellent climbers and spend most of their time in trees. Porcupines are solitary animals and maintain individual territories. They are not necessarily a threat to humans.
Seek Help from Rodent Control Experts
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate rodents. We offer QualityPro-certified rodent control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 619-494-3380 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate!
