There are over 4,000 rodent species categorized based on their anatomy similarities and differences. Overall, three major groups with over 30 families make up the total rodent population.
Common Rodent TypesThe more common rodents fall into three major suborders. The suborder Sciuromorpha includes squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, woodchucks, prairie dogs, gophers, pocket mice, kangaroo rats, and beavers. The suborder Myomorpha is made up of mouse-like rodents and includes a large variety of mouse and rat species, such as hamsters, lemmings, voles, muskrats, gerbils, dormice, and jerboas. The suborder Hystricomorpha includes porcupine, capybara, nutria, agouti, cavy, mara, chinchilla, and several other species.
Commensal RodentsRats and mice are largely responsible for eating up or contaminating a food supply. These types of rodents are known as “commensal rodents” because they live with or in close association to humans. The most common commensal rodents are the house mouse, the Norway rat and the roof rat. These rodents spoil our food by contaminating it with feces, hair and dander. These pests are found in homes, supermarkets, and restaurants throughout the United States in addition to warehouses and food processing facilities. The prevention and control of the commensal rodent population is a large concern in many states where these pests are able to thrive.
Rodent Pest Control OptionsRodent pest control can be managed in several ways, depending on your where you live, your desire to be green and your budget. The following offers pros and cons for various pest control options.
Mechanical traps. These traps are the fastest and most reliable ways to control pest problems. The trapping of mice has several advantages including value, ease-of-use, and safety. Many home and business owners like traps because they can confirm that the pest Chemical And Biological Pest Control control service they hired got them results. It also ensures that the rodents do not die in crawl spaces or basements where they are more difficult to remove. Traps used in conjunction with other green pest control methods often have the best overall results.
Despite these advantages, mechanical traps for mice and rat control may be a bit crude considering other methods today. Animal lovers may not like the cruelty aspect of the way the rodent is killed. Also, such devices placed around an active home or business can be dangerous to little children and pets.
Green Chemical Pest Control. This pest control service offers several advantages and few disadvantages. Chemical pest control is available that is made up of reduced or non-toxic products. Some pest prevention services will offer chemical repellants that Mouse Prevention Sound include organic or natural products designed to be both effective and biodegradable. This control option is environmentally friendly. They are also less toxic and therefore are safer to have applied to your home if you have small children or pets.
Sound Repellents. Rodent repellents that use sound are considered more humane than traditional mice traps. This method uses a device that puts out an intense sound that displaces rodents, causing them to flee from your home. This option is an ideal pest control method for those with small children or other pets that need to be kept safe.
One of the only cons to the repellent is that you may have a harder time getting the rodents to permanently stay away from your home. It also does not always get the entire mouse or rat population to leave.
Traditional Pest Control Chemicals. Mouse and rat poison is still widely used because it eliminates rodents fast and effectively. The bromethalin commonly used in rodenticide causes a speedy death for the pest. Variations of this and various other chemicals are available for indoor or outdoor application.
As one would expect, the chemicals used in these rat poisons are highly deadly and should not be used if there are small children or animals that may come in contact with it. There is potential health risks associated with these chemicals touching skin or being inhaled as well.
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