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Do Mice Hibernate? Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Home

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a mouse outside

As a homeowner, there are many things to consider before winter arrives. You want to make your space as comfortable as possible for the upcoming cold weather. The trouble is, without taking the proper steps, mice and other pests may end up seeing your home as a sanctuary of their own.

If you’re like many homeowners in Texas, you may have wondered: Do mice hibernate, or do they stay active throughout winter? The short answer is no. Mice don’t hibernate, which means they don’t have the capacity to withstand the cold the same way other mammals do. This matters to homeowners because it means these pests may be searching for a place to stay warm, which could be your home. 

The cold triggers their survival instincts, often leading them to find a path indoors. You may notice increased mouse activity when the weather gets cooler. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have more … Read Full Post »

Roof Rat vs. Norway Rat: How Are They Different?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a roof rat

You’ve probably heard of roof rats and Norway rats, but do you know what sets them apart? These two species are the most common types of rats in Texas and the southern U.S., so it’s important to learn what you can about them.

While it’s not always easy to tell rat species apart, roof rats and Norway rats have several key differences.

If you suspect that you have a rat problem of any kind, either inside your house or on your property, call in a pest control professional. 

Roof Rat Identification: Habitat, Appearance and Behavior 

As their name suggests, roof rats, pictured above, are known for their climbing abilities. They often climb trees or powerlines to access your roof. From there, they find a small opening to enter your house and set up camp in your rafters, inside your walls or in your attic.

Roof rats prefer warm environments, which is why they like to … Read Full Post »

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Deer Mouse Vs. House Mouse: Which Is The Bigger Pest?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Have you noticed signs of mice in your home? If so, you may want to know what type of mice is taking up residence in your home.

If you suspect that a mouse infestation is taking over your home, contact a pest control service.

Deer Mouse Versus House Mouse: Which Is the Bigger Pest?

Deer mice and house mice, pictured above, are two common rodents that homeowners encounter inside their houses. Deer mice transmit hantavirus, making them more of a problem than house mice. However, you’re more likely to find house mice in or around your home. It’s helpful for homeowners to understand the difference between deer mice and house mice so they can correctly identify a mouse infestation and take the proper steps to control it.

These two types of mice differ in three main ways:

  • Appearance
  • Behavior
  • Nesting and habitat

Let’s examine these in more detail.

Deer Mouse … Read Full Post »

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Rats vs. Mice: Which Pest Is Invading Your Home?

. Posted by in , • Austin
rats vs mice

A rodent infestation is often a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Since rodents are sneaky creatures that stay out of sight, it can be difficult to identify exactly what kind of infestation you’re dealing with. 

If you’re dealing with a rodent situation, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a professional pest control service. The expert can control the population and put prevention methods in place to help deter rats and mice from returning.

Rats Versus Mice: Which Pest Is Invading Your Home?

Do you have rodents in your home but can’t identify what kind? Rats and mice, pictured above, leave behind several of the same signs that they’ve taken up residence in your home, and it can become a guessing game until you actually see a rat or mouse.

However, both mice and rats are nocturnal creatures and are excellent at staying out of sight. It’s helpful for homeowners to learn how to distinguish between … Read Full Post »

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Identifying and Preventing Rodent Infestations in Urban Areas

. Posted by in • Houston

Rodent Infestations

Identifying and Preventing Rodent Infestations in Urban Areas

Rodent infestations are a significant concern in urban areas, impacting both residential and commercial properties.

Mice and rats are the primary culprits, causing considerable damage and posing health risks. These pests can spread diseases that affect human health, making it essential to address their presence swiftly.

Rats tend to invade areas with easy access to food and water, while mice often infiltrate homes and buildings, causing extensive damage. Understanding how to identify and prevent these problem is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the signs of a rodent infestation, the health risk associated with rodents, and effective strategies to prevent rodent infestations in your house.

Identifying Rodent Infestation

Common Signs of Rodent Presence

Rodent infestation often start subtly but can escalate quickly if not addressed. Frequent signs include:

  1. Rodent Droppings: The presence of mouse droppings, rat droppings, or … Read Full Post »
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Where Do Rats Live?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a rat

Rats can quickly turn a comfortable home into a stressful situation. But the more you understand about their behavior, the easier it is to stop them in their tracks.

For the best results, work with a pest control specialist to control a rat infestation in your home and help deter them from returning. 

Where Do Rats Live?

Where rats live depends on their species. Some live in nests while others live in burrows. The most important thing for homeowners to remember is that rats will always choose to live near a reliable source of food and water.

For example, Norway rats, a common species, burrow into the ground to build their nests. They’re often spotted around crawl spaces, the foundation of a home, under concrete slabs or in basements. Outdoors, you may see them under decks, sheds, porches, near woodpiles or around compost heaps.

Rats that burrow are skilled at digging, and they build complex … Read Full Post »

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Are Raccoons Nocturnal?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a raccoon

Some people find raccoons adorable, while others think they are terrifying. Whatever you think, most of us can agree that we don’t want raccoons taking over our property. These intelligent and curious creatures can quickly become nuisances, raiding garbage bins and creating messes in our yards. They can also damage our homes and gardens, and carry rabies and leptospirosis.

Even if you find these masked, bushy-tailed creatures cute, keeping them off your property is important. Contact wildlife control specialists if you have raccoons loitering in your yard. These professionals have the tools and expertise to manage their population and determine them from your property. They can also answer other pest-related questions like, “ How many times can a skunk spray?”

Here’s What You Should Know About Raccoons

If you suspect raccoons are wreaking havoc in your yard but you can’t catch them in the act, that might be because of their sleeping habits. … Read Full Post »

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Do Rats Have Bones?

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
two rats

Rats are acrobatic creatures that can squeeze through tiny spaces, which leaves many homeowners asking if they have bones. The answer is yes, they do have bones. However, their bodies have a unique structure that gives them special skills.

Do Rats Have Bones?

Just like any other vertebrate animal, rats do have bones. However, it’s common to question if rats have bones because they are extremely agile and flexible creatures. They can bend and manipulate their bodies to fit through tiny holes and cracks.

If you’ve ever seen a rat squeeze through a tiny opening, you understand it’s an impressive feat. They easily fit through holes that seem way too small for their bodies. Rats only need an opening to be the size of a quarter, about an inch wide, to fit through it.

It may look like rats don’t have a skeletal structure, but the truth is that they have a spinal system … Read Full Post »

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Are Rats Nocturnal?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a rat

Rats are among the most hated pests, and no homeowner wants to run into one inside their house. Not only do rats carry diseases, but they also have destructive habits that can damage properties.

So, how likely is it that one of these rodents will give you a jump scare during the daytime? Here’s what you should know about their active hours and sleeping habits.

Don’t let a rat problem steal your peace. Contact rodent control professionals to handle the infestation. They have the tools and expertise to manage the rat population on your property.

Here’s Everything You Should Know About Rat Behavior

Are rats nocturnal? They are, meaning they do their rodent business at night. They are the most active at night, dawn and dusk, particularly 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. These resourceful pests will travel 100 to 300 feet away from their nests each night to locate food. … Read Full Post »

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Can Skunks Climb?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a skunk

While different wildlife can wander into our yards, a skunk might be the most unwelcome. No one wants the smell of one lingering on their property. Aside from their odorous scent, they have other habits that can rile up homeowners. They become a nuisance when they burrow under homes, get into garbage cans and dig up holes in lawns to search for grub.

If you have these smelly creatures in your yard, you might be wondering how they got there in the first place. Can skunks climb? Here’s a closer look at how they move about and what you can do to keep them away.

If you need backup, don’t hesitate to contact wildlife control specialists. They have the tools and expertise to manage the skunk population on your property. These experts can also address other pest issues, like identifying possums versus opossums.

Can Skunks Climb? Here’s How They Get Onto Your Property

Skunks … Read Full Post »

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