Rodent Control Done Right For Your Tampa Property

Types Of Rodents Common To The Area

There are many rodent species living worldwide. Rodents make up the largest group of mammals, and they are found living in almost any habitat. Most rodents live outside, well away from people, but a few species have made themselves comfortable near people.

Three types of rodents are common in our area:

1. Mice: These small rodents have oval bodies and small triangular heads with ears that sit up off their heads. The ears and long tail are covered in a light layer of velvety fur. Other physical features include noticeable whiskers, four legs, and usually brown, gray, or black fur covering their body.
2. Rats: Rats have oblong bodies with large blunt heads and, for their size, powerful jaws. Compared to their heads, rats have relatively small ears. Their most notable feature is their long, thick, scaly hairless tail. They also have whiskers, four legs, and brown, black, or gray fur covering their body. Adult rats are noticeably larger than adult mice.
3. Squirrels: These rodents use their long, bushy tails for balance and to successfully land the acrobatic jumps squirrels are known for. Squirrels have an elongated cylindrical body covered in fur that ranges in color (black, brown, reddish-brown, and gray). 

Each rodent species has varying appearances, food preferences, habitats, and behavior. Correctly identifying the type of rodent on your property is key to successfully removing their presence.

If you suspect rodent activity on your Tampa property, immediately contact us. Our professionals will come to your property and perform an inspection to identify the rodent and form an effective treatment plan that offers long-term results.

Rodent Infestations Are A Major Health Risk

When rodents in Tampa are outside minding their own business and living away from people, they are mostly harmless. In fact, rodents play essential roles in nature. They provide a food source for many predators, help to disperse seeds, and assist with the aeration of the soil. Yet, as soon as rodents cross over your property line and make themselves home in your yard or home, they become an immediate threat.

Animals in the order Rodentia are grouped together because they all have continuously growing front incisors. Their short front teeth are sharp, and to prevent them from overgrowing, rodents must constantly gnaw. In our homes, their teeth cause a lot of damage to structural elements and personal belongings. Rodents can cause short circuits, fires, and water damage by chewing on wires and water pipes.

In addition to being destructive, the bigger problem with rodents is the health risks they pose. Rodents carry and spread many different types of bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens, resulting in illnesses including:

• Salmonellosis and E. coli infections
• Rat-bite fever
• Leptospirosis
• Hantavirus
• Tularemia
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)

Rodents will also often bring fleas and ticks into your home as well, and these pests have their own associated health risks.

Squirrels, mice, and rats reproduce quickly, so just a couple finding their way to your property can cause significant issues. The more rodents carrying disease and parasites moving to and from your home, the more health risks they will cause you and your family.