What This Article Will Cover
- The most common rodents in Virginia and North Carolina homes
- Health risks associated with rodent infestations
- Practical tips to prevent rodents from entering your home
- How Four Seasons Pest Control can help protect your home and family
Common Rodents in Virginia and North Carolina
Several rodent species commonly invade homes in our area:
House Mice
House mice are the most frequent intruders in homes. Small, with grayish-brown fur, pointed noses, and tiny dark eyes, they’re happy living indoors year-round.
Field Mice
Primarily outdoor dwellers, field mice occasionally enter homes in search of food or warmth. They have two-toned fur, perky ears, and black eyes, and are similar in size to house mice.
Norway Rats
Large, heavy-bodied rats with blunt noses and small ears. Norway rats tend to stay at ground level as they are poor climbers, but can swim when needed.
Roof Rats
Long, lean rats with dark fur, pointy noses, and large ears. Excellent climbers, roof rats are usually found in the upper levels of homes.
Common Health Risks From Rodents
Rodents carry and spread numerous diseases. Even a small infestation can pose significant health risks, including:
- Salmonellosis: Spread through contaminated food, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and potential dehydration.
- Hantavirus: Inhalation of airborne particles from rodent droppings can lead to severe respiratory symptoms and has a high mortality rate.
- Leptospirosis: Contact with rodent urine can cause flu-like symptoms and lead to serious complications, including kidney or liver failure.
- Rat Bite Fever: Contracted through bites, scratches, or contaminated food, causing flu-like symptoms, rash, and joint inflammation.
- Tularemia: Spread via infected rodents or insect vectors, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
- Plague (Indirect Risk): Rare today but still possible via fleas on infected rodents; prompt treatment is essential.
Rodents can contaminate food, surfaces, and living spaces, making prompt prevention and control essential.
How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation
Preventing rodents is the best way to protect your family’s health. Four Seasons Pest Control recommends proactive steps:
- Seal all exterior holes, gaps, and cracks.
- Trim foliage and remove debris around your home’s perimeter.
- Store garbage and firewood away from the house.
- Remove outdoor food sources, such as pet dishes or birdseed.
- Reduce moisture and eliminate standing water.
- Store food in sealed containers and keep your kitchen clean.
- Remove clutter in storage areas, and use sealed plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes.
- Address any moisture issues in your home and crawl space promptly.
What to Do if Rodents Enter Your Home
If you suspect a rodent infestation, acting quickly is critical. Four Seasons Pest Control not only provides comprehensive pest control but also focuses on preventive measures to stop future infestations before they start. Our approach includes inspecting your home for entry points, identifying conditions that attract rodents, and implementing solutions to make your home less inviting to pests.
Protect your family and home by contacting Four Seasons today for a thorough rodent inspection and treatment plan. Our licensed technicians will eliminate any existing rodents and implement preventative strategies to keep your home rodent-free throughout the year.
