Rodent Identification & Prevention

What are rodents?

Rodents are mammals, belonging to the order Rodentia, and are characterized by two continuously growing front incisors that grow out of their upper and lower jaws. They use these sharp front incisors to defend themselves against predators and for feeding. Rodents have varied diets and feed on plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and some proteins. Their central role in the ecosystem is acting as prey for other larger animals.

Rodents have come to live near people, taking advantage of any food, water, and shelter we unwittingly provide them. Some of the most common types of rodents that live throughout Honolulu are the Norway rat, roof rat, field mouse, and the house mouse.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous pests because of the significant structural damage they can cause and the diseases they spread. Rodents carry and spread a variety of diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, rat-bate fever, and salmonellosis. Inside homes, rodents contaminate food, dishes, and surfaces with bacteria and human pathogens. They are also responsible for introducing disease-spreading ticks and fleas onto properties.

In order to prevent their sharp front incisors from overgrowing, rodents chew on almost anything they come across. Inside our homes, their chewing habits cause damage to wires, insulation, pipes, drywall, flooring. Their chewing habits also cause short circuits and sometimes fires. Additionally, rodents will gnaw on and damage personal items like clothing, shoes, and furniture. 

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Always on the lookout for food and shelter, rodents will become a problem on any property that offers them easy access to either. Unfortunately, most of our yards provide ample places for rodents to nest. Things like open trash cans, compost, pet food, gardens, and bird feeders are places they will forage for food.

Where will I find rodents?

Where rodents nest depends on their species, but they generally choose nesting spots that keep them out of sight and are off the beaten path.

• Norway rats have a heavy, dense body and prefer to nest at ground level. Outside, they build nests in garbage piles, under woodpiles, under foundations, and along streams and riverbanks. Norway rats enter into buildings at the ground level while searching for food and shelter. Inside, they live in basements, crawls spaces, and behind wall voids.

• Roof rats prefer to nest up off of the ground. Outside, they live in fruit trees, dense vegetation, and under woodpiles or piles of debris. As their name suggests, these rats move into homes through openings found along the roof. They nest in attics and above ceilings.

• House mice live in homes and other structures but do also live outside. Tree stumps, fallen trees, tall grasses, and dense vegetation are common outdoor nesting spots for house mice. Inside, they nest in a variety of places like crawl spaces, behind walls, in basements, in the backs of cabinets, behind appliances, in upholstered furniture, and attics.

• Field mice live outside in tall grasses, crop fields, tree hollows, and hollow fences. If these small mice move inside, they take up residence in basements, closets, storage boxes, and spaces behind walls voids. They also nest in sheds, garages, and vehicles.

How do I get rid of rodents?

If you have discovered rodents in your yard or home, the best way to get rid of them and prevent them from returning, is to reach out to Able Pest Management, LLC. Our team will come to your aid and develop a pest control program that is customized to meet the unique needs of your home and family.

Our highly trained and experienced professionals are passionate about eliminating pests through our proven treatment methods. If you are looking for exceptional pest control for your Honolulu home or business, reach out to Able Pest Management today!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

Keep rodents out of your Honolulu home and away from your family with the help of Able Pest Management and the following rodent prevention tips:

• Seal holes and other openings both inside and outside of your home that rodents can squeeze their bodies through.

• Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans, compost bins, and recycling bins.

• Remove dense or overgrown vegetation from your property.

• Clean up excess woodpiles or other piles of debris from your yard.

• Cut back tree branches from your house.

• Remove their easy access to food by maintaining garden areas, removing bird feeders, picking up uneaten pet food, and keeping outdoor eating areas free of food debris.