Many rodents can invade your San Diego home and property. Rodents are not only a nuisance, but they can also cause a lot of damage to your house and spread harmful diseases to your family. If you are struggling with rodent control around your home, Green Flash Pest control is here to help. We provide pest control in San Diego and know what it takes to safely remove common rodents from your home.
Characteristics Of Common Rodents
There are a wide variety of rodents caught hanging around residential areas in San Diego. Here is a look at some of the animals that you are most likely to see around your home:
- Norway rats: The Norway rat is one of the most common types of rats found in cities and commercial areas. Commonly referred to as "street rats" or "sewer rats," they usually have brown and black fur on their backs and heads and grayish-white fur on their undersides. Their bodies are about seven to nine inches long, and they have long, scaly tails that are shorter than their bodies and usually only about six to eight inches long.
- Roof rats: The roof rat is slightly smaller than the Norway rat. The roof rat has brownish-black fur that covers its entire body except for its tail. Their bodies usually measure around six to eight inches long. Their tails are much longer than their bodies and are typically about eight to ten inches long. They use their long tails to help them balance on electrical cables, tree limbs, and rooftops.
- Field mouse: This mouse is also referred to as the deer mouse because it has dark tan fur that resembles a deer. This type of mouse is small and usually only about five to eight inches long. Deer mice typically live outdoors in grassy fields or hollowed-out trees. However, they do sometimes come into homes.
- House mouse: This is the most common type of rodent found in San Diego homes. They are very small and usually measure two to three inches long. They have pointed noses, big ears, and light brown fur.
The rodents on this list can give birth about every three to four weeks. They can have multiple babies in one litter, meaning that if these rodents are in your home, it will not take long for you to have a severe rodent infestation.
The Diseases Spread By Rodents
Rodents are filthy creatures that pick up a wide range of viruses and bacteria. They can then spread these dangerous viruses and diseases to you and your family. Some of the illnesses that you can catch from rodents include:
- Salmonellosis
- E.coli infections
- Leptospirosis
- Rat-bite fever
- Monkeypox
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
- Lassa fever
You don't have to be bitten by rodents to catch these diseases. Instead, rodents spread these illnesses through their urine and droppings.
Five Effective Tips To Prevent Rodents In Your Home
If you want to prevent rodents from coming into your home, try these five effective and simple steps:
- Keep the grass in your yard cut short. Also, remove any tree limbs or other debris from your yard.
- Don't leave food packages out in the open. Keep all food, including pet food, in a sealable glass or metal container.
- Check for gaps and cracks around your home. Rodents can fit through holes about ¼ of an inch wide. If you see any potential entry points, seal them up immediately.
- Keep a tight lid on your outdoor trash cans. It is also a good idea to keep your trash cans as far away from your house as possible.
- Fix any leaky faucets or pipes and ensure there is no standing water around your house.
Rodents will come into your home in search of food, water, and a warm place to stay. If you make these things inaccessible, they are less likely to come indoors.
How To Safely Get Rid Of Rodents In San Diego And Keep Them Away
It can be dangerous to try and capture and get rid of rodents on your own. At Green Flash Pest Control, we have extensive experience in dealing with various types of rodents that are found in and around San Diego. If you think you have a rodent problem in your home, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our number one goal is to keep your family safe. Call today and ask about our same-day service options.