RODENT 101

THERE ARE 2,000 SPECIES OF RODENTS

Rodents are animals of the order Rodentia (the largest order of mammals). More than 40% of mammals belong to Rodentia. They are found all over the world except Antartica.

• Rat
• Squirrel
• Porcupine
• Gopher
• Mouse
• Chipmunk
• Beaver
• Guinea Pig
• Hamster
• Prairie Dog
• Jerboa

Despite their great species diversity, all rodents share common features.

• Rodents have a single pair of incisors in each jaw, and the incisors grow continually throughout life.
• The incisors have thick enamel layers on the front but not on the back; this causes them to retain their chisel shape as they are worn down.
• Behind the incisors is a large gap in the tooth rows, or diastema; there are no canines, and typically only a few molars at the rear of the jaws.
• Rodents gnaw with their incisors by pushing the lower jaw forward, and chew with the molars by pulling the lower jaw backwards.

 

ANIMALS MISTAKEN AS RODENTS

• Rabbit
• Hedgehog
• Skunk

 

CAPYBARA: LARGEST EXISTING RODENT IN THE WORLD

WEIGHT: Up to 100 lbs LENGTH: Up to 4 feet

They can grow as big as dogs.

 

BAD, BAD RODENTS!

Rodents such as rats and mice play an important role in the health of grasslands and forest, and are a major source of food for many predators and scavengers, including hawks, fox, bobcats, and even wolves.  Rodents such as rats and mice play an important role in the health of grasslands and forest, and are a major source of food for many predators and scavengers, including hawks, fox, bobcats, and even wolves.

• Transmit Deadly Diseases
• Contaminate Food
• Infest Properties
• Damage Crops

 

DOUBLE TROUBLE: RATS & MICE

• Rats and mice are considered the most pesky and costly rodents in the U.S.*
• They consume food that humans eat such as meat and grains. They even eat pet food!
• Both these rodents contaminate food while eating with their droppings, urine, and hair.
• They transmit over 35 different kinds of diseases.
• Mice can squeeze through 1/4 inch hotes and rats can fit into 1/2 inch cracks.
• Their teeth can grow up to 5 1/2 inches.  Constant gnawing keeps their teeth sharp and short.
• Rats can jump up to 36 inches vertically and 48 inches horizontally.

 

ARE RATS & MICE INSIDE YOUR PROPERTY?

Both rats and mice are usually active at night.  They will be only active during daytime when there isn’t enough food, when there is an overpopulation, or when they are sick.  Here are signs of infestation:

• Droppings and Urine
• Gnawed Objects and Food Items
• Runways and Rubmarks
• Live and Dead Rodents
• Squeaking and Scratching Sounds

 

DISEASES TRANSMITTED

 

DIRECTLY

Transferred directly to humans through

1.) Bite wounds and 2.) Ingestion of food or water  contaminated with rodent urine or droppings

 

INDIRECTLY

Transferred indirectly to humans through ticks, mites or fleas that fed on infected rodents.

 

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Us, 1993-2013

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but deadly respiratory disease which is caused by infection with a hantavirus. Rodents in and around the home can transmit the virus and infect even healthy individuals.

36% of the cases from 2003 to 2013 were fatal.

 

STOP RODENT INVASION

Seal holes in and around the property – Look for holes and gaps inside and outside your property. For small holes, steel wool can be used. For larger holes, use materials like lath metal or cement. Make sure to block all areas where rodents can gain entry to your home or building.

Sanitize – Reduce rodent populations inside your property by eliminating possible food and water sources.

• Clean and sanitize regularly

• Pick up spilled food immediately and wash dishes after use

• Store human and pet food in sturdy containers with tight lids

• Don’t leave pet food out overnight

• Use garbage cans with properly fitting lids

Eliminate potential nesting sites – Remove piles of garbage and debris in and around your property. Don’t store old tires, boxes and or junk that can be used by rodents as nesting sites. Elevate trash cans and woodpiles about 1 foot above the ground.

Trap rodents – Trap rodents in around the property to reduce infestation. Never place traps or baits in anyplace that can be reached by children and pets.

• Live Traps
• Lethal Traps
• Posion Baits

Estimates show that approximately 21 million homes are infested by rodents every year especially during winter, which is why you should know who to call for rodent control in your area.
 

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

United States Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/

University of Florida – IFAS Extension http://www.maine.gov/ http://ifas.ufl.edu/

University of California Museum of Paleontology http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/

Phil Myers, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Museum of Zoology

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/

National Pesticide Information Center http://npic.orst.edu/

Pawnation – http://animals.pawnation.com/