If you own a home in Santa Clara County, odds are good that you’ll deal with rodents at one point or another. Rats and mice are quite prevalent in the area and are two of the most common pests known to invade homes.
While they might be relatively small, they aren’t just a nuisance pest, and are known to destroy property and put your health at risk. Many rodents have also developed a dependent relationship with humans where they thrive when using the shelter and access to food that human dwellings provide.
What’s The Difference Between Mice & Rats?
While rats and mice are different species, they can look very similar. Overall, rats are larger than mice, but baby rats are often mistaken for mice. In general, mice have thinner, longer tails in proportion to their bodies and more pointed noses while rats have thicker, scaly tails and blunter noses. Most mice in the Santa Clara County area are a light grey-brown color with cream underbellies.
There are actually two main species of rat common in the area: the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are a brownish-grey color and live near ground level. They aren’t good at climbing but are good swimmers. Roof rats are dark brown to black and are great climbers but poor swimmers.
Why Do Rodents Cause Property Damage?
When you think of rodents you might imagine cartoon-style holes in walls that mice live in, and while a mouse shelter might not look exactly like this, the property damage that rodents cause is a real thing.
Both mice and rats have incisors that allow them to gnaw through many materials including wood, drywall, plastic, cloth, and leather. They have a need to constantly chew and can even ruin things like electrical wiring and plumbing pipes, which can lead to safety risks in your home as well as costly repairs.
Why Are Mice & Rats Dangerous?
While most pests in the area aren’t very likely to make you sick, mice and rats are an exception. In fact, even their fur, urine, and feces can cause problems over time and even lead to respiratory issues.
The health risks that rodents pose shouldn’t be underestimated as they are unsanitary pests that often contaminate food. Here are the other main health issues to be aware of when it comes to mice and rats:
- They are able to spread dozens of diseases such as hantavirus and salmonella.
- Their fur, droppings, and urine can also cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
- It’s fairly common for rodents to carry parasites such as fleas.
- While they don’t bite very often, they can do so if threatened, which could lead to infections.
Why Calling The Experts Is The Safest Way To Deal With Rodents
Leaving a rodent infestation to run amok in your Santa Clara County home is never a good idea, as the destruction and dangers they pose just get worse as the infestation grows. However, trying to remove them on your own can be difficult, as they are adept at hiding, as well as prolific, as they reproduce quickly.
If you’ve noticed a mouse or rat infestation, the easiest and most effective way to get rid of them is with help from the experts at Smith’s Pest Management. We’ve protected over 5,500 homes in more than a decade in the pest control business, and our licensed and certified technicians can remove any rodent infestation, no matter the severity. Contact us today to get started with a free quote.
