The Clark Man Recognizes Rodent Awareness Week
Rodents will invade more than 21 million homes this winter in search of food and shelter, and the Clark Man is out to make sure your home isn’t one of them.
This week, the Clark Man and his fellow pest management professionals across the country are recognizing Rodent Awareness Week. Why does the third week of November qualify as Rodent Awareness Week? As they say in show business, timing is everything.
According to a nationwide survey from the National Pest Management Association, 45 percent of homeowners indicated they had issues with these furry little invaders during the fall and winter, as temperatures drop and outside food and shelter sources become less plentiful.
How do you know if you have a problem with rodents? The Clark Man offers the following telltale signs that rodents could be trying to relocate in your home for the winter.
- Droppings: A trail of rodent droppings is typically found in kitchen cabinets and pantries, along walls, on top of wall studs or beams, and in boxes, bags, and old furniture
- Noises: Rodents often make scurrying sounds, especially at night, as they move about and nest
- Gnaw Marks: New gnaw marks tend to be rough to the touch and are light-colored
- Burrows: Inside, rodents are drawn to areas that are dark and secluded. They often nest in various materials, such as insulation, storage boxes, and even rolled-up sleeping bags
- Damaged Food Packages: House mice prefer to feed on cereals and seeds, while Norway rats prefer meat, fish, and dry dog food
The most commonly encountered rodent in residential settings is the house mouse. They are gray in color and three to four inches in length, with a tail of equal length to its body, and usually nest in dark, secluded areas within structures. Kitchens, basements/crawlspaces, and bedrooms are where these mice are found most often. House mice are also excellent climbers, can jump up to a foot high, and can access your home through an opening as small as a dime.
Even though they are cute to look at, house mice have a not-so-nice side to them. They can cause serious property damage by chewing through materials, including electrical and computer wiring that can spark an electrical fire. They are also a health threat, as they can contaminate stored food, along with food preparation and serving surfaces, and they can spread disease pathogens, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
If you have a problem with rodents in and around your home and require rodent control service, contact Clark Pest Control at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com. We will come out, make a proper identification, and provide a treatment recommendation.
Until next time, I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.