Rodent Identification & Prevention

Dealing With Dangerous Rodent Invaders

Rodents in the Baltimore area can be dangerous to your health and your property. These pests spread disease, contaminate food, damage buildings and material, and can be challenging to eliminate on your own. At ATC Pest Control, we know the best ways to get rodents out of your property and prevent them from returning. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about rodents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodents

What are rodents?

Rodents are problematic invaders that are easily recognizable by their smaller size, long scaly tails, rounded ears, elongated snouts, and fur that ranges in color from brown to gray and black. Many different types of rodents invade human structures, but the most common types you need to worry about are mice and rats. Moles, while not technically rodents, are often associated with these pests because of their similar appearance and burrowing habits.

Rodent and mole infestations are notorious for getting out of control quickly and causing serious problems around the properties they invade, which is why proactive prevention and effective rodent control tactics are necessary to deal with these pests.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are very unhygienic, and an infestation of rodents on your property quickly increases your chances of serious illness. Mice and rats carry diseases such as hantavirus, tularemia, salmonella, and leptospirosis, and the droppings or urine they leave behind often trigger allergy and breathing issues.

Both rodents and moles are highly destructive to the properties they invade, and rodents will chew through any material they can reach in an attempt to keep their constantly-growing front teeth in shape. Wood, brick, electrical wiring, plumbing, and stored items are no match for gnawing rodent incisors.

Moles tend to be more destructive in outdoor areas, and this pest will tunnel around your property, weakening the soil and destroying plants as they scavenge for food.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodent and mole problems often start with these pests being attracted to your property due to easy access to food, water, or shelter. A yard full of vegetables, fallen fruit, brush piles, and excess moisture all encourage pest infestations to start.

Where will I find rodents?

Rodents are most commonly found outside, hiding around waste disposal areas, woodpiles, piles of debris, and, in the case of moles, underneath the ground in burrows. If rodents invade interior areas, they are most likely to be seen in kitchens, food storage areas, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and the space between walls.

How do I get rid of rodents?

Get rid of rodents the easy way by contacting ATC Pest Control at the first signs of rats, mice, or moles on your property. Our technicians will work with you to identify common rodents or moles invading your indoor or outdoor areas and provide solutions that ensure your property returns to safety from these pests.

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

Prevent future rodent or mole issues by following our expert tips to deter these pests from invading your property in the first place:

Clear outdoor areas of fallen fruit, piles of debris, and other items of organic waste that might attract rodents or moles.
Install a fence around your property that goes several feet into the ground to prevent scavenging moles and rodents.
Seal cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation of your property to keep rodents out.
Ensure attics and crawl spaces have sturdy mesh screens over vented areas to prevent rodents from entering them.
Seal trash bags tightly and utilize trash cans with tight-fitting lids to stop odors from attracting hungry rodents.
Never leave out food or drink spills and always store leftover food properly to decrease rodent scavenging.

Contact ATC Pest Control today for more information on keeping rodents and moles out of your Baltimore, MD, property.