Rodent Identification & Prevention

What You Need To Know About Rodents In Syracuse, New York

Rodent infestations are a common pest problem for people living in Syracuse, New York. These small mammals live all around us and will take advantage of the necessities our properties provide them. These prolific breeders can quickly take over our spaces in a short period. Use our pest guide to learn about rodents, their dangers, what attracts them, and where they like to live. The more you understand these pests, the easier it is to keep them away from your family with pest control services in Syracuse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodents

What are rodents?

Rodents make up the largest group of mammals. A wide variety of rodents live worldwide, each with different appearances, behaviors, and food preferences. In Syracuse, the two most common types of rodents to find their way to our properties are the mouse and rat. Though they are different species, they have made names for themselves as common household pests.

The most notable difference between the two species is their size. Adult rats are larger and heavier than adult mice. Another easy-to-spot physical difference is that mice have long, thin tails covered in a light layer of hair, while rats have long, thick, scaly hairless tails.

No matter the species, one thing that all rodents have in common is their continuously growing front incisors. These chisel-like, sharp front teeth are vital to a rodent’s survival. They use them for gathering nesting materials, defense, and feeding. They are constantly gnawing to keep their teeth healthy and prevent them from overgrowing. Their gnawing habits are a major reason rodents are so destructive inside our homes.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous for many reasons, and you must take a proactive approach to keep them out of your home and away from your family.

Rodents are vectors of many pathogens that can make people ill.
They carry and spread parasites like fleas and ticks.
In our homes, mice and rats contaminate food and surfaces.
Using their teeth, rodents cause structural damage and damage to personal items.
Their urine, feces, and shed fur contain many allergens that trigger allergy symptoms in people.

Professional rodent control is the best way to quickly eliminate these pests from your home and limit the damage they cause.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodents are a common pest to find their way into our Syracuse homes. Mice and rats are both commensal rodents, meaning they have developed a close relationship with people and want to “share our table” with us.

They have learned that our yards and homes provide them with the food, shelter, and water sources they need to survive. While they are wild animals and could survive outside without the help of people, they have no problem taking advantage of the resources we unintentionally provide them.

Where will I find rodents?

Rodents are nocturnal animals, so they are most active at night while we are sleeping. During the day, rodents rest in their nesting sites:

Wall voids
The backs of cabinets and appliances
Inside vents and crawl spaces
In or under upholstered furniture or mattresses
Closets, basements, attics, or other storage spaces

After resting during the day, rodents emerge to forage for food at night. Hearing scratching or running sounds behind walls or above ceilings at night is a common sign that you are sharing your home with rodents.

How do I get rid of rodents?

To get rid of rodents that have come uninvited into your home, contact us at Gannon Pest Control. We will come to your property to identify the rodents, determine where they are active, and perform treatments to eliminate their presence. Then by implementing our season or annual preventive services, you can have the peace of mind of knowing they won’t return. At Gannon Pest Control, we are committed to working closely with each of our customers and ensuring your expectations are met! For more information about our home pest control and commercial pest control services in Syracuse, reach out now!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

Rodents are tricky to prevent because they want to live with us. By implementing the following rodent prevention tips, you can help to ensure rodents won’t want to call your house home.

Remove clutter from your yard that offers rodents hiding spots and the feeling of safety on your property.
Regularly inspect your home’s exterior, repairing any defects you discover.
Eliminate as many foraging sites as possible by keeping lids on trash cans, picking up uneaten pet food, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
Keep storage areas in your home clean and organized to limit hideouts within your home.

At any notice of rodent activity in or around your home, immediately reach out to us. We will react quickly and take fast action to remove these dangerous and destructive pests from your property.