What Makes Some Areas More Prone To Rat And Mice Infestation?

Rats and mice infest over a million homes in the US each year and this problem is still on the rise. These rodents have become an annoyance in every household. They are small but have the ability to spread many types of diseases. They contaminate areas around the home and garden mainly with their urine and feces. They also contaminate areas they walk in with their feet and fur as they carry fleas and mites. When found in large numbers or if you have an infestation of these rodents in your house you will find that great damage will be caused with very costly consequences. Although rats and mice can be found in rural and urban regions, there are specific places that rats and mice dwell in. They find these areas the most safe and comfortable places to live in and breed resulting in an infestation of rats and mice.

Differentiate Between Rats And Mice

There are two types of rats, the brown rat (Norway Rat) and the black rat (Roof Rat). Mice are usually found as the common house mouse although field mice can be found as well. The most common difference between the two is that the rat is much larger, weighing about 300 grams whereas a mouse would weigh about 15 grams. Rats are usually found in urban areas whereas mice can be found in both urban and rural areas. Rats usually feed on anything and consume up to 30 grams of food while mice prefer to nibble on seeds and grains and eat about 3 grams of food per day.

Signs That There Is An Infestation

The most common sign that there is an infestation in your home or surrounding area is the sighting of either rats or mice. Urine and droppings seen around your home will be common if there are rodents lurking around. Both these rodents leave a trail of droppings and chewed up items. Although it might not be visible in your garden, these marks can be easily seen on the floor or on kitchen worktops and tables. Rats and mice like to burrow into holes; around 7 to 10 centimeters in the garden especially log piles, underneath roots of trees and drain corners. The other most common sight is chew marks found on food, electric wires or cables, clothes, water pipes and furniture. 

Areas Where Rats And Mice Commonly Infest

The habitat of rats and mice varies but usually they will live in several locations. For instance rats like to live indoors, outdoors and in sewers while mice prefer indoors but can be found running around outdoors but very rarely in sewers. 

In Burrows And Trees

Both the Norway rat and mice can be found in gardens in burrows or trees. They prefer to burrow near the foundation of homes, underneath tree roots, under shrubs and any plants that are close to a home or building. They would often infest entrances of basements or garages since they are closer to the ground. In the case of the Roof rat however, it likes to dwell on top of trees and in high places that are above ground. This would allow entry into home through your ceiling, attic vents or windows.

Inside Sheltered Areas

Rats and mice prefer indoors as they can build a safe place for them to live and breed. They will also have access to food and do not have to suffer from the harsh living conditions of being outside. Walls and ceilings are common places in a home these rodents can infect. Far away from any human contact, they are safe during the day and as they are nocturnal can access food in the night without getting caught. They can also be found in wall cavities, underneath floorboards, cellars and attics where they will be safe. In homes they also hide behind cupboards, bathtubs and counters as they can get in easily through small openings and can bring up their young safely. They also prefer to infest areas where things are stored such as cardboard boxes or cloth where they can chew on. These places allow these rodents to be safe and dry which is the main reason for them to choose indoors as a place to infest.

Close To Food Sources

These rodents like to live close to humans as we are the providers of food for them. Inside the home food and grains on tables can be easily accessed by these rodents. They easily get inside cupboards containing food through small openings. However, the best food we provide is garbage waste. Especially for rats, since they chew on anything they find, the garbage is the ideal food source and this is why rats are usually found in rubbish dumps and sewers. Ensuring your garbage is disposed well will prevent access to food for these rodents.