Rats and mice have been around for as long as man has. Throughout history they have lived and exist wherever humans are. They have survived off man and provide nothing beneficial in return except disease, death, destruction and costly damage that rivals the national debt! In fact, it is estimated in the US that
rats and mice account for well over 1 billion dollars in damage each year to homeowners and business owners!
So how can such small creatures create such havoc? Here's a short list of reasons:
- Rats need to chew on things. They gnaw on electrical wires and thermal insulation to sharpen their teeth.
- Rats need to feed a lot. They eat up to 15% of their body weight each day. That means they are constantly scavenging for food.
- Rats urinate all the time to mark their territory. A single rat can defecate as much as 60 times a day leaving unsightly messes and bad smell wherever they have been. In addition, rat droppings attract other rodents and can carry diseases, like Salmonella and tapeworm.
- A pack of rats can harm, infect and even kill ordinary house pets like cats and small dogs.
- Rats are notorious for destroying roofs by chewing on the shingles and eaves.
- Rats have been known to carry multiple diseases worldwide that can spread to humans and other animals by coming into contact with their droppings, urine or being directly bitten.
- Rats will kill your garden! Although fruits are not their first choice, rats will eat just about anything including bulbs and seedlings in late Summer.
- Rat infestations can cause thousands of dollars in repair to damaged structures, in addition to the potential cost of extermination and rat removal.
- Rats were directly correlated to the spreading of the Bubonic plague or "Black Death" during the 14th century. Over 1/3 of the European population was wiped out, almost 20,000,000 people. The death toll world-wide was estimated at nearly 70.000.000!
- Rats are not afraid of humans! Unlike other animals that tend to become frightened when they see a human and run off, rats are more confident. They have learned to co-exist among humans for centuries and know that we are the source of their survival. In fact, the more rats that join together the more confident they become.
So it goes without saying that rats and mice are one of the most problematic pests on the planet! That is why it is extremely important for homeowners and business owners to implement a
rodent control management program at the first sign of a rodent infestation. Ignoring the problem can lead to property damage, potential health problems, liability issues, public health shut-downs and financial loss.
Pest squirrels can also cause a variety of serious problems and expensive damage. Squirrel damage can include chewing on wires; tearing up insulation; gnawing on wood trim, siding, and window frames; destroying gardens, flowerbeds, plants and lawn furniture cushions; nibbling garden fruits and vegetables; stealing from fruit trees and plants. Once a squirrel gets acclimated to a yard, they can be extremely hard to repel. All of our ultrasonic electronic rodent repellers are effective pest squirrel repellent solutions.