The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is observing its annual Rodent Awareness Week Oct. 20-26. The annual observance — established by the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) — is designed to bring attention to the prevalence of rodents and the threats they pose to health and property.
“As temperatures cool and we enter peak rodent season, we urge all pest control companies to participate in Rodent Awareness Week to educate their customers about these pests,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, BCE, Executive Director of the PPMA. “It’s vital that consumers understand the necessary role pest control professionals play to keep homes and businesses safe and rodent-free.”
Let’s Talk Mice & Rats
The fall season marks the beginning of cooler temperatures, causing mice and rats to search for warmth indoors. These sneaky pests will look to make anywhere their home as they seek refuge inside a wide variety of structures, including commercial businesses like restaurants, hotels, and educational institutions. Rodents can be a huge problem for home and commercial property owners, and neither should fall victim to a rodent infestation. Here are some facts you should know about rodents to keep your business or home free of these pests.
The Gnaw is Real
Rats’ incisor teeth, the front teeth they use to gnaw on things, never stop growing. Consequently, they must constantly gnaw and chew to wear them down. Their incisors are also powerful and are rated a 5.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale – iron has a lower rate at 5.0. This is why these long-toothed creatures can chew their way into even the most advanced buildings. They can also chew through IT equipment, fleet truck wires, food packaging, and home insulation.
No water? No Problem for Mice
Mice can get all the water they need, about a tablespoon daily, through food consumption. However, if a water source is available, they will take advantage of it. In addition, mice will eat almost anything left out in the open, not just cheese, which is an age-old misconception. This is why mice can cause severe issues for restaurants and food processing facilities that offer many meal options.
Go Forth & Multiply…Like Mice
A female house mouse can have up to 10 litters a year, each containing anywhere from 3 to 14 offspring. This rapid breeding process is why a singular mouse problem can quickly evolve into a mouse infestation. It is crucial to learn the signs of mice early on to save your business from costly structural repairs and prevent diseases from spreading at home.
Virus Spreading Like No Other
There are four species of rodents in North America – cotton rats, rice rats, deer mice, and white-footed mice – that can carry hantavirus. In humans, this virus can cause a sometimes-deadly respiratory disease known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Not only can rodents spread bacteria and disease, but they can also trigger asthma and allergy symptoms or carry with them fleas and mites. Any of which can heavily impact the well-being of your family.
Rats. They’ve Trained for This
Black rats are superior climbers and can thrive in the upper parts of buildings – earning them one of their other names, the roof rat. Their skill at climbing buildings helps them make nests and find food in places that are hard for other rodents to reach. This ability to live in high places can be a big problem for businesses and homeowners as rats can get into upper storage areas, attics, and other hidden spaces.
Contact Turner Today So Infestations are not Part of Your Future
So, this Rodent Awareness Week, be on the extra lookout for those telltale signs of mice or rats around your home or business, and if you do, our Turner Techs are ready to eradicate any issues gnawing at you. Fill out that Free Inspection form today!
