Health

Mouse in the House? A Guide to Common Rodent Species Found in U.S. Homes

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“According to NPMA, an estimated 21 million U.S. homes are invaded by rodents each year, making proper prevention crucial to ensure your family is protected from the health threats posed by these pests,” said Court Parker, CEO at Bug Busters.


ATLANTA (PRWEB)

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has declared October 17-23, 2021, as Rodent Awareness Week, an annual observance recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events to promote greater awareness about the threats rodents pose to health and property. As winter weather arrives, mice and rats will look to come indoors for shelter and food. Bug Busters, with the help of NPMA, is sharing useful information about the common rodent species found in the U.S. as well as tips on how to prevent infestations this fall.

“According to NPMA, an estimated 21 million U.S. homes are invaded by rodents each year, making proper prevention crucial to ensure your family is protected from the health threats posed by these pests,” said Court Parker, CEO at Bug Busters. “Rodents can spread bacteria and disease, and they can also trigger asthma and allergy symptoms or carry with them fleas and mites. Your home is also threatened by the presence of a rodent infestation, as mice and rats gnaw on drywall, electrical wiring, and wood. Proper prevention is key to avoid a rodent infestation, so it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure your family and property are protected from mice and rats this winter.”

This Rodent Awareness Week, Bug Busters is sharing the most common rodent species found in U.S. homes and tips on how to keep them out:

  • Deer mice are found throughout the U.S. and prefer to hide in rural areas like old fence posts or log piles. Although rarely an indoor pest, they will wander into homes in search of food and warmth in the winter. This rodent is also a common carrier of hantavirus, a potentially fatal disease. To keep deer mice out, avoid storing pet food or birdseed in places like the garage or a shed where they are accessible.

  • House mice are the most common rodent species encountered and are found throughout the U.S. They typically nest in dark, secluded areas of the home and have great climbing abilities. House mice are known for gnawing through materials like drywall and electrical wiring and can transmit Salmonella. Avoid clutter in the home as house mice tend to nest in boxes or paper.

  • Norway rats, a primarily nocturnal species, can also be found throughout the U.S. They are known vectors of several diseases, including the plague, and can gnaw through plastic and lead pipes. Be sure to seal up any crevices or holes leading into your home, as Norway rats can squeeze through openings the size of a quarter.

  • Roof rats are found throughout the coastal U.S. states and southern parts of the country. Their ideal nesting sites are those in upper areas of a tree and are also vectors of the plague. Ensure all garbage is stored in sealed tight receptacles to prevent attracting this rodent.

For more information about rodents, please visit BugBustersUSA.com.

Bug Busters, Inc. has been serving the Southeast since 1984. With branch offices in Georgia and Tennessee, we offer environmentally friendly pest control solutions to protect our customers’ homes, businesses, families, and pets.

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