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Rodent Exterminator Near Me
Are you ready to learn all about rats and rodents? The cute name for the dreaded "R" word (rat) creeps most homeowners out. Everyone knows this destructive furry rodent can wreak havoc once they enter a home. There are documented cases of rodents chewing wires, leading to fires, saturating insulation with urine and feces, and chewing ductwork. It is no secret that Rats and Mice are known for their ability to breed rapidly, which means they multiply at an alarming rate. One rodent seen could tell that many more are around and have not been found yet. That's why it's essential to call
a professional rodent control specialist, such as Imperial Pest Prevention. Click this link here for Rat Facts 101.
Danger Of Rodents: Now that we have discussed the damage our furry intruders may cause, let's dive deep into the actual Rodents and disease facts, risks, health risks, and diseases. Rats and mice can carry many diseases and pathogens that can cause extreme danger to humans, rodent feces, bites, urine, and cross-contamination of food prep areas. Rats and mice have also spread diseases to humans and children through parasites feeding on rodents. Mites, ticks, and fleas are commonly frequented by utilizing rats and mice as feeding hosts. One bite on an infected rodent is all it takes!
How Do I Tell If I Have A Rodent Infestation?
Rodents are not always out in the open immediately for someone to determine they may have an infestation or one starting. The quickest way to find out if you may have an infestation is to call a pro like Imperial Pest Prevention. We have expertly ready and trained staff to find signs of rodent problems or infestations immediately. What do we look for, you asked?
Our Rodent inspections consist of but are not limited to the exterior and interior of the property. We target
all entry points where a rodent can finagle its small collapsible body. These entry points are generally located in an open soffit, fascia boards, stack vent pipes in the roof, off the ridge and ridge vents, Air conditioner lines that flow in or under a home, window frames, and failed weatherstripping.
Attic inspections usually give away this hidden culprit, as rats and mice lack control over their bowels and continually defecate and urinate as they please. This distinct urine smell and rodent droppings are telltale signs of an infestation. One call to Imperial Pest Prevention will confirm either the good news you wanted to hear or the bad you were pretty sure you already knew. The critical thing to remember is that we can handle this for you with a flawless and speedy success rate.
What Are The Different Types of Rats In Florida?
Florida, with its diverse ecosystems, is home to several species of rats, each unique in its habitat, behavior, and appearance. Here's a detailed look at the different types of rats found in Florida:
Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus):
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Description: The brown rat is also known as one of the largest rat species. They typically have coarse brown fur with a lighter underside, and their tails are shorter than their body length. Adult Norway rats can weigh between 350-500 grams.
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Habitat: They are commonly found in urban areas and are adept at associating closely with humans. They prefer damp environments and are often found in sewers and basements.
Roof Rat (Rattus rattus):
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Description: Also known as the black rat or ship rat, they are smaller and sleeker than the Norway rat, with a more pointed nose. Their fur is typically dark gray or black, with longer tails than their body. They weigh around 150-250 grams.
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Habitat: True to their name, roof rats are excellent climbers and are often found in the upper parts of structures, including attics and rafters. They are more common in coastal areas and ports.
Wood Rat (Neotoma floridana):
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Description: Also known as the pack rat or eastern woodrat, they have a slightly bushy tail, large ears, and big eyes. Their fur color varies from gray to brown, with a white underside. They are roughly the size of Norway rats but with more delicate features.
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Habitat: Wood rats are more common in rural and wilderness areas. They are known for their habit of collecting shiny objects to decorate their nests, which are often built in tree hollows or rocky crevices.
Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus):
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Description: Cotton rats have coarse fur, usually brownish-gray, and a slightly lighter color underneath. They have small ears and a shorter tail. They are medium-sized rats, weighing around 100-225 grams.
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Habitat: They prefer overgrown areas with tall grasses and are often found in agricultural fields. They are less likely to venture into urban environments than other rat species.
Marsh Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris):
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Description: This species has a brownish-gray coat with a white belly. They are smaller than Norway and roof rats, with a more slender build. Their tails are long and scaly.
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Habitat: As the name suggests, marsh rice rats are found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of streams and rivers. They are good swimmers and often build their nests in reeds or other waterside vegetation.
Florida Key's Woodrat (Neotoma floridana small):
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Description: A subspecies of the wood rat, they are similar in appearance but are an endangered species found only in the Florida Keys.
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Habitat: They primarily inhabit the hardwood hammock forests in the Keys and are under threat due to habitat loss and predation.
Each rat species plays a role in Florida's ecosystem, whether as prey for other animals, seed dispersers, or by impacting their habitats. Their presence, especially in urban areas, can be a concern due to health risks and property damage, leading to the need for effective pest management strategies.
Can Rodents Make You Sick?
Rats and mice can be carriers of various diseases, some of which are potentially serious to humans.
These diseases can be transmitted directly through contact with rodents or their feces, urine, and saliva or indirectly through vectors like fleas and ticks that have fed on an infected rodent.
Here's a detailed look at the different types of illnesses that can occur from exposure to rats and mice:
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS):
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Transmission: Primarily transmitted to humans by inhaling aerosolized virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials. It can also occur when these materials are directly introduced to broken skin or mucous membranes or through a rodent bite.
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Symptoms: Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups. As the disease progresses, it can lead to coughing and shortness of breath, eventually causing severe respiratory distress.
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Prevention: Reducing rodent populations and avoiding contact with their droppings and nesting materials are key preventive measures.
Leptospirosis:
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Transmission: Caused by bacteria that can be found in the urine of infected rodents. Humans can become infected through direct contact with urine or through water, soil, or food contaminated with infected urine.
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Symptoms: These can range from none to severe and include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash.
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Prevention: Avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water or soil and controlling rodent populations are important.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM):
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Transmission: The LCM virus is primarily transmitted through exposure to droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials of infected house mice.
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Symptoms: The initial symptoms can include fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting. More severe complications can include meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis.
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Prevention: Good hygiene and controlling house mouse populations in and around homes are crucial for prevention.
Rat-Bite Fever:
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Transmission: This disease can be transmitted through a bite or scratch from an infected rodent or by handling a rodent with the disease without washing hands afterward.
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Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and rash. If not treated, rat-bite fever can be severe or even fatal.
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Prevention: Avoiding direct contact with rodents and maintaining good hygiene practices are essential.
Salmonellosis:
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Transmission: This bacterial infection can occur through consuming food or water contaminated with rodent feces.
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Symptoms: Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
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Prevention: Ensuring food is properly stored and prepared and implementing measures to control rodent populations can help prevent this illness.
Tularemia:
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Transmission: This disease can be transmitted through handling sick or dead animals, through bites from infected insects, or exposure to contaminated soil, water, or air.
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Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on the route of infection and can include skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, oral ulcers, or pneumonia.
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Prevention: Using insect repellent, wearing gloves when handling animals, and avoiding mowing over dead animals can reduce the risk of tularemia.
Plague:
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Transmission: Typically transmitted through the bite of an infected flea that has fed on rodent-like rats, mice, squirrels, or prairie dogs.
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Symptoms: Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and weakness, often accompanied by painful lymph nodes.
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Prevention: Controlling fleas and reducing exposure to rodent habitats are key preventive strategies.
It's important to note that while the risk of contracting these diseases from rats and mice exists, it remains relatively low. However, preventive measures, including pest control, good hygiene, and avoiding contact with wild rodents and their droppings, are essential to minimize the risks. If you suspect you have been exposed to a rodent-borne disease, seeking medical attention promptly is important.