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Dealing with Rats in Las Vegas
Rats and other kinds of rodents are always unwelcome guests in a home or business. These pests are known for their destructive habits and for carrying diseases. Residents in the Las Vegas area should be aware of these rodents, what to look for to determine if they have an infestation, and what should be done if these rodents are discovered.
The Most Common Rodents in Las Vegas
Norway Rat. This rat is very destructive. It is a large at, weighing up to one pound, and is considerably long compared to other rats. These rats are scavengers and are attracted to cluttered areas and love garbage. Although there are not a lot of problems with this type of rat in the Las Vegas area, they still have been seen on occasion. These rats can breed very quickly, so when one is seen, action should be taken to exterminate the rodent.- Roof Rats. The Roof Rat first appeared in the Las Vegas Valley area around 1990. It is believed that they made it to the area on imported palm trees. These rats are small in comparison to a Norway Rat, but are still very destructive. Roof Rats are more prone to eating natural foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, but they have been known to dig through garbage when food is scarce. Roof Rats have been a large problem in the Las Vegas area because they breed rapidly. Each female rat can have eight babies each litter, and can have up to six litters a year.
- Field Mice. These small brown mice live in the fields or on farms where they can easily access vegetation to eat. Field mice, however, are omnivores and will eat meat or anything else they determine is safe to eat. Field mice are known to burrow into the ground to get to a food source. Field mice have litters of babies that can easily exceed 14 each time. Stopping the population is necessary because offspring can start reproducing within 8 weeks of birth.
Health Concerns From A Rodent Infestation
Having rodents in your home can be very dangerous. Not only can they cause extensive damage to the home itself, they create health hazards. Rats and mice leave urine and droppings everywhere they scurry. These contaminates have been associated with:
- Plague
- Typhus
- Salmonella
- Rat Bite Fever
- Leptospirosis
- Allergies from fur
- Asthma
- Flea infestations
- Other bacterial infections
What Attracts Rodents
The main thing that attracts rodents to your home is a food source. Additionally, rats will look for a place where they can nest and breed. Rodents prefer clutter and unclean areas because it provides them with a place to hide. Rodents will nest indoors or outdoors, so it is important to also keep the outside of your home uncluttered and clean as well as the inside.
Preventing Rodents Around Your Home
The first thing that you must do is clean up the outside area of your home. You want to remove any excess weeds from around your home and fence areas. Clean up piles of leaves around your yard. If you store firewood, make sure it is at least a foot off of the ground.
Make sure that you keep all of your trash in a tightly sealed trash can. Try to avoid putting food products in the trash by using a garbage disposal. Do not lean trash cans up directly against your home.
Check your windows and doors for spaces that may allow light to shine through. Rodents can squeeze through very small places and will attempt to do so if they see light or can smell food from inside your home. Look for cracks in your foundation and check your roof vents very carefully. Sometimes duct work around furnaces are not always properly sealed. Since it’s nice and warm, it’s a perfect spot for them to set up shop. These can also cause issues with HVAC repair. Use steel wool to fill gaps, and make sure that your dryer vent has a mesh screen over it to block an entrance to your home. Make sure to secure pet doors at night.
When To Call An Exterminator
Rodents are more than a nuisance, they are a health risk. If you find any evidence of rats or mice in your home, it is advisable to call an exterminator immediately. While some over-the-counter extermination methods may have a little impact on a rodent infestation, they may not be aggressive enough to stop the problem.
Rats and mice breed quickly and the sighting of one mouse or rat could actually lead to hundreds of them within a few months if not treated. A professional exterminator can quickly stop the infestation which will allow you to retake control of your home. Contact us today to see how we can help.
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