ABC Blog

Mice in the Walls but Not in the House

a mouse outside

Did you know it’s common for a mouse colony to live in your house undetected? Mice are discreet and cautious pests that spend the daytime hiding and sleeping. However, at night, they emerge to hunt for food, water and nesting materials.

When you have a mouse infestation in your home, it’s common to hear them scurrying around in your walls, especially at night. It will sound like scratching inside your walls. You may notice it long before you see an actual mouse inside your home.

Mice can fit through tiny spaces, which is how they often enter homes unnoticed. However, several signs will alert you to their presence, such as finding holes in your clothes, spotting mouse droppings and smelling their urine.

Mouse pee smells like strong ammonia when it is fresh. Over time, the odor changes to smell like damp wood.

You do not need to see an actual mouse to know that … Read Full Post »

How High Can Rats Jump?

a rat on a windowsill

Did you know that rats are excellent jumpers? These pests may be known for climbing and scavenging; however, they are also extremely agile.

The best way to keep rats out of your home is to identify and block all potential rat entry points into your house. Working with a professional pest control service is the best way to cover all of your bases with these pests. An expert can identify all rat entry points for you, including the ones that most homeowners do not think about. If you already have a rat infestation, working with a pest control service is much more effective than trying to control the rat colony on your own.

How High Can Rats Jump?

Rats are known for being excellent climbers, but many homeowners don’t realize that they are also skilled jumpers. Rats can jump up to four feet high. In particular, roof rats can jump and climb their … Read Full Post »

Norway Rat Identification Guide

a Norway rat on the ground

Do you know how to spot a Norway rat and how to tell these pests apart from other rodent species? Norway rats are common, so it’s smart for homeowners to become aware of them.

Norway Rat Identification Guide

If you spot Norway rats in your home or on your property, do not hesitate to contact a pest control specialist. This species can spread diseases and wreak havoc on your home, so it’s important to deal with the problem as quickly as you can.

Norway Rat Appearance

Norway rats are considered medium to large-sized rats, and their bodies typically measure between seven and nine inches long. Unlike other types of rats or mice that are more slender, Norway rats are considered heavily-bodied.

They also have tails that are slightly shorter than the length of their bodies. From tip to tail, most Norway rats measure around 16 inches and weigh one pound. Norway rat tails are scaly … Read Full Post »

Do Mice Sleep?

a mouse

If you think you have mice at home, it can be hard to confirm your suspicions. You might hear their squeaking and scurrying, but it’s rare for homeowners to see these sneaky pests in action. That’s because their sleeping habits help them stay concealed from people and grow their population without us knowing.

Here’s everything to know about mice, including the answer to the question: “Do mice sleep?”

It is best to contact pest control professionals if you suspect or have discovered a mouse infestation on your property. They have the tools and expertise to control these rodents.

When and Where Do Mice Sleep?

Just like humans, mice need to sleep. But their sleeping patterns are different from ours. When these pests are active in a home, mice are typically nocturnal creatures, meaning they’re active at night. However, that can change depending on their environment and when their predators are active.

Mice in the wild … Read Full Post »

What To Do About Rats in Backyard

a rat in a backyard

For many homeowners, the backyard is their favorite part of their home. Many memorable activities happen there, including playtime with kids, family gatherings and weddings. Unfortunately, rats can ruin all of that.

These pests thrive in backyards and can cause significant damage to your property fast. If rats are taking over your backyard, here’s how to deal with the infestation. But, the best solution is to contact the pros. Pest control specialists have the expertise to efficiently control rats.

Rats in the Backyard: What Should Homeowners Do?

Rats can destroy your garden, plants and vegetables and eventually enter your home. Once inside, they’ll chew on practically anything, including drywall, wires, wood and plastic. They are not picky at all. They can also contaminate your food and spread disease.

Fortunately, there are some things homeowners can do to keep rats out of their garden and backyard. Here are some preventative tips you can apply.

Proper Backyard … Read Full Post »

What Do Rats Like To Eat?

a rat on a pipe

Rats are voracious eaters who spend most of their time looking for food. Most people assume that these unwanted pests will eat anything they find. However, rats have preferred types of food and even favorite food items. Keep reading to learn more about what rats like to eat.

The best way to control rats is to enlist the help of professional pest control services. An expert can provide a treatment plan that is tailored to your home and rat infestation.

What Do Rats Like to Eat?

Rats are big eaters with what seem like insatiable appetites. They are considered omnivores, which means they prefer to eat fruits, vegetables and meat.

If they had their way, rats would prefer a diet of sweet fruits such as berries, apples and bananas. For vegetables, they like carrots, lettuce and broccoli. They will eat any type of meat and they enjoy grains.

However, rats are not picky when they … Read Full Post »

Do Bats Hibernate?

a bat in a tree

Bats are intriguing creatures to learn about. They’re known for their echolocation capabilities and being nocturnal by nature.

Bats possess incredible talents, which could be vital in survival situations like natural disasters. But have you ever considered whether bats hibernate like other mammals do?

Hibernation is an instinctual behavior used by animals during winter to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions. Of the over 1,400 bat species globally, only some hibernate. When they do, they might find comfort within your home or nearby spaces such as backyard sheds or treehouses.

Do Bats Hibernate?

During the winter months, when food becomes increasingly scarce, bats enter a state known as torpor. Their heart rates and breathing slow, their metabolic rates diminish, and body temperatures decrease to conserve energy and resources.

Hibernation allows bats to survive winter weather by tapping into their fat reserves while resting. However, not all species hibernate; some fly south, searching for warmer climates … Read Full Post »

Mole Versus Mouse: Which Pest Do I Have?

brown mouse perched on woodwork outside

Do you know the difference between a mole versus a mouse? While the two animals seem similar, there are key differences that can help homeowners tell them apart.

The first major difference is that, unlike mice, moles are not actually rodents. Other differences between moles and mice include their appearance, habitats, nesting habits and diet.

While it’s common to find mice inside your home or on your property, moles live most of their lives underground. The only time homeowners may see them is when they surface to find a mate.

The more you know about the differences between a mole and a mouse, the easier it is to identify a pest problem. Both moles and mice can cause property damage, so it’s best to catch an infestation early. A pest control specialist can help you identify which animal is causing you problems and provide solutions to kick them off your property.

Mouse Appearance, Habits, … Read Full Post »

Voles Versus Moles: Which Pest Do I Have?

multiple molehills in grassy area

Few things can frustrate a homeowner more than finding destructive hills and holes burrowed around their lawn. Burrowing pests like voles and moles cause millions of dollars in property damage in the U.S. every year. If you have noticed these mounds in your yard, you may be wondering which pest you’re dealing with. After all, all you can see is that something is destroying your yard. 

Here is how to differentiate between a vole and a mole.

Mole Identification

Moles grow to an average length of 4 to 7 inches, and have paddle-shaped hind feet and disproportionately large digging claws. Their elongated head features very small eyes and ears that are not externally visible. The mole’s body is covered in a pelt of smooth, brownish-black fur which has no grain. This unique feature allows them to move through their tunnels with very little friction.

Moles can dig at an incredible rate, nearly twenty feet … Read Full Post »

Rodents in Florida: Identification & Control Guide

mouse peeking from dirt hole

Florida is home to a variety of rodent species, including rats, mice, squirrels and others. It’s valuable for Florida homeowners to learn how to identify the different types of rodents they may encounter.

Some rodents in Florida, such as house mice, roof rats and Norway rats are more commonly found indoors than others. Noticing the signs of these rodents can help homeowners catch an infestation before it can get out of control.

It’s also important to know about the appearance, habits and diet of Florida rodents. Rats and mice are excellent climbers, swimmers and jumpers and can make their homes in a variety of locations in your house.

Finally, learn simple ways to deter mice and rats from entering your home. If you already have an infestation, call a pest control specialist today.

Types of Rodents in Florida

Several types of rodents call Florida home, and it isn’t limited to mice and rats. Here are … Read Full Post »