The Difference Between Mouse & Rat Problems

Rodents are two of the most common pest problems. Rats and mice are alike in the fact that they both have incisors that never stop growing. They also both can carry and spread diseases. However, rats and mice are different in many ways as well. Because they both can be a danger for you and your family, it’s important to learn how to identify rats and mice. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, our team wants to ensure our customers are aware of the pest threats they may face. Knowing the differences between mouse and rat problems can help. Our experts have compiled all the information you need to know—read on to learn more.

7 Facts About Rats

Rats are typically bigger and occasionally more aggressive than mice. Here’s what else you need to know:

  • Rats have thicker bodies and tails that are shorter than the length of their body.
  • They possess small hairy ears and larger feet.
  • They weigh anywhere from 150 to 300 grams.
  • Rat droppings are banana-shaped and much bigger than mice droppings at 10–20 mm long.
  • Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
  • Rats are adventurous, omnivorous eaters who will feed on a variety of grains and meats.
  • They forage overnight and nest in garages, trees, and basements.

Mouse and rat identification in Henderson Las Vegas NV - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

How do Mice Differ From Rats?

Mice are obviously smaller than rats, but they have other differences as well:

  • The house mouse is usually just 2–4 inches long.
  • Mice have larger ears and a longer tail compared to its body length.
  • Mice are often gray or brown in color, with a lighter shade or white color on their bellies.
  • Mice droppings have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
  • Most mice feed on fruits, seeds, grains, and occasionally meat.
  • They produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.
  • Mice forage at dusk and nest in attics, garages, basements, and more.

Dangers of Rodents

Rats and mice are similar in that they both can pose a threat to the safety of you and your family with their activities. Rodents are infamous for their ability to carry and spread a number of potentially dangerous diseases. They also can trigger allergies in people. A rodent problem can be a mess to clean up due to the amount of droppings and urine left behind. Lastly, they can cause significant damage to your home. Both mice and rats will chew through insulation, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring. Due to this reason alone, always contact your local rodent exterminator for help with rat or mouse problems.

Rats and Mice in Las Vegas

The bottom line is that you don’t want rats or mice infesting your property. They both can be dangerous and destructive. As soon as you spot the signs of an infestation, it’s time to contact the rodent exterminators at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.

Worried About Rodents During the Pandemic?

Here in Las Vegas, pest infestations are a year-round problem. Rodents are one of the most common fall pest problems, and they have been made worse this year by the pandemic. When restaurants and bars closed down or limited operations, rodents suddenly found themselves without their typical source of food. This forced them to look elsewhere and to compete for the little resources available. Unfortunately, this has led to a direct increase in residential infestations. Rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they can be very dangerous if they infest your property. For this reason alone, it’s crucial to learn how to prevent them. This Rodent Awareness Week, the Western Exterminator team is sharing their top tips for rodent prevention.

Are Rats & Mice More Dangerous During COVID-19?

We all know rats and mice have been linked to a number of dangerous diseases, but what about COVID-19? Thankfully, there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting the current strain (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Here’s what we do know about rodents during the pandemic:

  • With the shelter in place orders, there have been a number of reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources.
  • The surge in rodent activity leads to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues.
  • They won’t COVID-19 to you or your family, but rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and more.
  • Once inside your home, rodents can cause damage with their chewing and nesting habits.

Best Rodent Prevention Tips

The last thing you have time to deal with right now is a rodent infestation. Here are our top tips to keep them away during the pandemic:

  1. Store all food securely. Make sure all open food is sealed in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  2. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  3. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  4. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed.
  5. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Fall Rodent Infestations in Las Vegas

All year long, the team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas is committed to protecting our customers from pest problems. This Rodent Awareness Week, we are shedding a light on the rise of rat infestations. If you need assistance protecting your property, our rodent exterminators can help. Contact us today to learn more!

Fall Rodent Infestation Prevention Tips

Here in Las Vegas, we don’t experience the drastic seasonal changes some parts of the country do. But that’s not to say we don’t experience seasonal pest problems! One of the most common pest infestations in the fall are rodents. Rats and mice alike will get indoors as soon as the temperature begins to dip. Once inside, they can cause a ruckus and spread potentially dangerous germs and disease. Here at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, we understand how distressing a rodent infestation can be for you and your family. For that reason, we are here to share our top fall rodent infestation prevention tips.

Tips & Tricks to Prevent Rats & Mice

The key to rodent control is prevention. By making your property less attractive to the pests, you can effectively prevent an infestation. Our top tips include:

  1. Keep your yard trimmed and neat. Any trees or vines close to your home will welcome rats onto your roof.
  2. Store all food securely. Keep all open food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  3. Seal cracks and crevices. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  4. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  5. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  6. Cover and protect your eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

How Dangerous are Fall Rodent Problems?

If you’re hearing rustling in the walls or gnawing noises, chances are you may have a rodent problem. For the most part, rats and mice will take shelter in the attic, basement, and garage. They also will infest kitchens, laundry rooms, and are highly likely to invade your trash cans if given the chance. A rat or mouse problem often begins when the rodents get in through your chimney, pipes, air vents, and more. With incisors that never stop growing, their chewing habits can be destructive. They also are known carriers of germs and bacteria that can cause disease. For this reason alone, it’s crucial to learn how to keep rodents away for good.

Rodent Prevention in the Fall Months

A rat or mouse infestation is bad news all around. As soon as you notice the signs of rodents in your property, or if you want to implement exclusion tactics, contact the rodent exterminators at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.

Rodent Infestations: How Dangerous Are They?

Rodents can cause damage in your Las Vegas NV home - the mice exterminators at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas can help!Rodent problems are any property owner’s worst nightmare. Rats and mice can cause damage, chew through wires, make a mess with their nesting, and even can transmit a number of dangerous diseases. Some of the most infamous diseases spread by rats and mice include hantavirus, salmonella, and even the plague. Because there are more dangers of rodents than you may realize, it’s always important to work with a professional rodent exterminator to prevent them in the first place.

Dangerous Diseases Transmitted by Rodents

Historically, some of the world’s worst illnesses have been tied back to rodents. Although the bubonic plague was transmitted by fleas, plenty of rats and mice carried the fleas and contributed to the outbreak. Today, some of these diseases are still a threat, especially if you’re dealing with a rodent infestation. The main mice-borne diseases to be aware of include:

  • Hantavirus. Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases, it can lead to kidney failure or worse.
  • Salmonella. The bacteria spread by rats and mice can track onto food. The most infamous bacteria is of course salmonella, known as food poisoning.
  • Lyme Disease. This is of course transmitted by ticks, which are often carried by rats and mice. This disease is dangerous and can have long-term effects on health.
  • Plague. Historically, the bubonic plague was caused by infected fleas that were carried by rats and mice. This disease can still be spread today.

Do Rodents Cause Structural Damage?

A rat or mouse pest problem can cause a major mess in your property. Rats have incisors that never stop growing, meaning they never stop chewing. One of the most dangerous things rats chew on are electrical wires. Needless to say, exposed wires can create a fire hazard. Additionally, rats and mice will tear up any type of material to create nests. Rats are able to make their way through tough materials, leaving the very structure of your property at stake.

The Importance of Rats & Mice Exterminators

If you have a rat or mouse problem, you’re almost certainly going to need help to get rid of them! The many dangers of rodents can cause a hazardous environment in your property, a rodent control expert is the one to call. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, our team has the experience and resources needed to get rid of rats and mice in your property for good.

8-Step Checklist for Rodent Control

Compared to most of the states in the country, Las Vegas experiences pretty mild winters. However, that doesn’t mean that residents don’t experience winter pest problems all the same! Rodents are a common problem throughout the entire year, but infestations are especially common in the colder months. As temperatures drop, rats and mice will seek out warmth and shelter inside of homes. Once indoors, they can cause a lot of damage, making it important to know how to prevent them from getting in in the first place! Keep reading for expert tips from Rentokil on rodent control this winter.

Can Rats & Mice Survive the Cold?

Although many types of animals hibernate during the winter, the same cannot be said for rats and mice. In fact, they seem more active than ever with how common infestations are this time of year. In fact, The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has reported that 21 million homes in the U.S. are invaded by rodents each winter!

Mice are infamous for being able to squeeze their bodies through the tiniest holes, which is why it’s crucial to seal your home properly.

Rodent Control Checklist

Rodent control checklist for your Las Vegas or Henderson NV home this winter - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

Inspecting your property is a great way to lessen the risk of a rodent infestation. Locating and fixing anything that is in need of repair can effectively keep rats and mice outdoors. There are eight areas in particular to inspect to prevent rodents:

  1. Roof: Replace and repair shingles or any other roof damage
  2. Vents: Cover all vents securely
  3. Screens: Fix or replace any damaged window, door, or porch screens
  4. Vegetation: Keep a tidy yard and cut tree limbs back away from your home
  5. Gutters: Clean debris from gutters and downspouts
  6. Outside: Securely seal trash cans and keep a clean yard
  7. Garage: Make sure your garage closes flush to the ground
  8. Foundation: Seal any cracks or crevices larger than a dime

Year-Round Rodent Prevention

If you’ve done all you can to prevent rats or mice and still have noticed the signs of an infestation, it’s time to call the rodent exterminators at Rentokil. Our team specializes in preventing pest problems before they begin, making us your local leaders in rodent control and removal. To learn more about keeping rats and mice out of your home during the winter and all year long, call us!

10 Tips to Prevent Mice and Roof Rats Inside the Home

You might be thinking mice and rats aren’t really a problem in Southern Nevada. Unfortunately, rodents are a year-round pest problem here in Las Vegas and Henderson. Believe it or not, rodents are actually a very common problem in the fall and winter months. This is because as our temperatures drop, rodents and other pests will look to make their way indoors to wait out the colder months. To avoid dealing with rodents inside your property this time of year, keep reading to learn Western Exterminator’s tips to keep them away!

Rodents in the Winter

Rodents are sneaky critters and often only come out at night when the house is at rest. Once they make their way inside and establish nests, you will start to see activity or at least signs of mice (or possibly roof rats). These common pests are resourceful creatures that can enter a building or home through the smallest opening or crack, and require very little space to travel inside. Mice can easily fit through spaces as small as a nickel!

Rats are common winter pests in Las Vegas and Henderson NV - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

Mice and roof rats seek shelter indoors, especially during winter months, and once inside can cause more than just an unpleasant infestation. Rodents put homes at risk for electrical fires by gnawing through wires. More frequently, though, rodents serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces, and equipment. The common white-footed deer mouse is also known to transmit the potentially fatal Hantavirus.

Simple Rodent Prevention Tips

Fortunately, there are many ways you can proactively prevent and get rid of rodent infestations in your home. Our top ten tips to prevent rats and mice in the winter and all year long are as follows.

  1. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
  2. Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
  3. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool, or a combination of both.
  4. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
  5. Keep attics, garages, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
  6. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the foundation and windows.
  7. Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains that provide the perfect breeding site for pests.
  8. Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags, and other packages brought into the home.
  9. Keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
  10. If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.

How to Get Rid of Rodents in Las Vegas

If you spot evidence of a rodent infestation, do not hesitate to act to handle the problem. Rodents are known to reproduce quickly, and a small problem can turn into a big issue overnight if left untreated. For this reason, it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional rodent control company. Contact the experts at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas to learn how we can protect you from rats and mice!