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Rodent-Borne Diseases: What Rockville Homeowners Need To Know To Stay Safe

a roof rat in a kitchen
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This time of year, the rodents outside usually try to find a nice, warm place to hide from the frigid temperatures that the winter can bring. Unfortunately, the places that most rodents choose to hide are inside homes and storage sheds. These destructive animals can cause a lot of damage to your personal property and are also capable of spreading dangerous diseases.

If you see rodents around your home this fall, Womack Pest Control is here to help. We have provided rodent control in Rockville for the past seven decades and know the best way to keep you safe from dangerous home-invading rodents. 

Common Rodents Found In Rockville Residential Areas

Mice and rats are the most common types of rodents found in Rockville. Many people think that mice and rats are the same thing, but these are two different animals with unique qualities and characteristics. 

The house mouse is the most common mouse found in this area. It usually measures between 2 ½ and 4 ½ inches long and is covered in brown fur. It has a small, round body with a small head, large ears, and a pointed nose. 

Rats are typically much larger than mice. The Norway rat is the most common rat known to invade Rockville homes. From the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, this rat can usually measure around 18 inches long. They typically have dark-colored fur that is a mixture of black and brown. Their bodies are long and slender and usually measure around 9 ½ inches. They generally are in the lower parts of the home, such as the basement or crawl spaces. 

Both mice and rats can breed quickly. If you see even one rodent inside your home, you should have your home inspected by a professional home pest control service to ensure that no rodent babies are living inside your house. 

Diseases, Allergies, And Other Problems Rodents Bring To Rockville Homes

Rodents can cause so many problems if they can get inside your home. These animals are known to spread a variety of diseases through their urine and feces. Some of the illnesses that you can catch by coming into contact with a rodent or its waste include salmonellosis, leptospirosis, hantavirus, jaundice, and tularemia. Rodents also release a foul-smelling pheromone in their bodily waste, known to cause severe allergic reactions in some people. 

In addition to making you sick, rodents can also bring external parasites, like fleas and ticks, into your home. Many rodents also have fleas, ticks, and mites. If these flea-ridden rodents come into your home, you could have several pest infestations on your hands. Luckily, our local rodent control specialists are experienced in eliminating other insects and pests. 

What You Can Do To Minimize Your Risk Of Rodents Contact

Prevention is the key to total rodent control. Some of the easiest steps you can take to reduce your chances of having rodents in your house include:

  • Keep your pet's food properly stored away in a gnaw-proof container.
  • Make sure that you have a tight-fitting lid for your outdoor trash cans.
  • Remove any clutter that you have inside or outside of your home.
  • Seal any gaps that you have around your house. 

If you are unsure whether rodents could invade your home, it is a good idea to get a professional's opinion. Contact your local rodent exterminators to ensure your home stays rodent-free this fall. 

Downside Of DIY Rodent Control In Rockville

DIY rodent control can be a long, drawn-out process that is expensive and ineffective. At Womack Pest Control, we are your premiere Rockville pest control service. We can keep these destructive and dangerous animals away from your property year-round. Give us a call today to see how we can help to keep your home rodent-free.