Dangerous Rodents

Sometimes rats and other rodents appear pretty inconsequential, but the truth is that even just one can carry dangerous diseases (in addition to causing damage to walls and furniture). Phoenix area residents and business owners should be particularly concerned about deer mice, as this type of wild mouse is a carrier of Hantavirus. This virus can cause a rare but serious illness in humans called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which actually caused several deaths in the Four Corners area in the 1990s. If you or someone you know may have come into close contact with a rodent and are experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, muscle aches or fever, it is crucial that medical attention is sought immediately.

It is also worth point out that, contrary to popular belief, diseases spread by rodents don’t necessarily have to be through a bite or scratch. Diseases can also be transmitted through contaminated water, through contact with their feces or urine, and also through contact with ticks, fleas or mites that have also been in contact with rodents. If you have any more questions about rodents and the diseases they can carry, please don’t hesitate to ask us for more information.

Signs of an Infestation

It’s possible that you may have a rodent problem without ever actually seeing an actual mouse, rat, vole, etc. In fact, by the time a rodent is actually spotted the infestation may have already escalated to become quite severe. Because these infestations can be so damaging to human health and physical structures, it is important to know what signs to look for. If you notice one or more of the following signs, it’s time to give us a call:

• Droppings (small, dark feces that usually look like thin, slightly curved pellets). Droppings may particularly be found under the sink, in drawers and cabinets, but they are not limited to these locations.
• Gnawing or chewing marks, typically found on walls, furniture legs and food packaging.
• Nesting materials like dried grass or other plants, shredded bits of paper, pieces of fabric, etc.
• Mysterious holes or other damage to structures that may provide entrance for rodents in and out of a home
• Stale or musty smells (they may seem to be coming from hidden areas)
• Scampering and / or scratching noises
• Unusual pet behavior (dogs and cats often notice rodents before humans do)

Be sure to tell us about all signs that you have noticed in your home so that we are better able to determine which extermination techniques will work best for the issue.

Treating the Infestation

The exact methods used to treat a specific infestation will vary between situations. After all, it can be said that no two are exactly alike due to the scale, type of structure and the type of rodent(s) involved. Our licensed pest control technicians will fully inspect and evaluate your unique situation in order to determine the best course of action. Once this assessment has been made, it will be time to take action through the use of anti-rodent chemical products and manual removal. The length of time this requires will vary, but a followup appointment is always recommended to make sure that the infestation has been eradicated. In some cases, weekly or monthly monitoring may be recommended.

If you have a rat problem or suspect that you may be the victim of one, don’t wait to reach out to us. We are open 24 hours to ensure that our customers don’t have to wait, and all of the products we use are fully regulated and follow state and federal (EPA) laws. Contact Buzz Tech today to learn more about how we can help you.