Rodent Identification

What are rodents?

Arizona is a very diverse state with lots of different habitats that both people and animals call home. 

Some of the most common wild animals that we share our properties with are rodents. Rodents have discovered the benefits of living with people and are not shy when it comes to using our yards or homes as a place to feed, live, and breed. 

Rodents, no matter the species, all have continuously growing front incisors. These front teeth are critical to the success of these small animals. The teeth are strong and sharp and used to defend themselves, gather nesting supplies, and make exits and entrances to nesting sites.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous because of the diseases (hantavirus, dysentery, and salmonellosis) that they can spread to people through their feces, urine, and saliva. In addition, they will contaminate food and surfaces inside any house they have decided to call home. Allergies are also triggered by the presence of rodents and cause runny noses, congestion, watery eyes, and skin rashes. 

Besides spreading diseases, rodents are very damaging pests and will chew on and damage plants, crops, and the structural elements of our homes, such as wires, pipes, and cables. A rodent infestation can trigger fires or water damage in our Arizona homes. 

Rodents also cause damage to personal items and will chew holes in stored clothing and linens, boxes, and furniture. In addition, their nesting and chewing behaviors will damage lawn equipment, farm equipment, and our cars inside garages or sheds. It isn’t uncommon to open the hood of a car and discover a rodent nest!

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodents in Arizona often choose to move into our homes because they provide them with a temperature-controlled environment. Our houses offer them a respite from the heat and access to food and water. 

Some of their favorite spots to satisfy their food and water needs include:

• Pet food bowls
• Outdoor eating areas
• Trash cans
• Gardens
• Fruit Trees
• Leaky pipes
• Dripping air conditioners

Once inside, if they discover a quiet, safe place to nest and your home provides them with food and shelter, they will stay. Then, because rodents are prolific breeders, a small infestation will quickly lead to a huge problem for you and your family. 

If rodents are living in your house, you will likely begin to notice some of the following signs:

• Dark, rice-like droppings on the floor, behind appliances, and in cabinets or drawers 
• Running or scratching noises behind walls or above your ceilings, especially in the evening when they are most active
• Gnaw marks on boxes, furniture, or wood trim
• Unexplained electrical shorts 
• Holes in food containers, cardboard boxes, or furniture

Where will I find rodents?

Rodents do their best to stay hidden. Often our yards provide them with the shelter necessary to keep them safe from predators. 

Fallen trees, dense shrubbery, spaces under decks, and the inside of play structures provide them with the shelter that protects them from danger. 

Inside our homes, they also do their best to remain hidden and usually nest in dark, secluded areas. 

Spaces in wall voids, behind appliances, above ceilings, or below floors are common nesting spots. They also like to nest within the clutter that builds up in basements, closets, and other storage areas.

How do I get rid of rodents?

Get rid of rodents from your Queen Creek property with the help of the local professionals at Quell Pest Control. We understand the pest control needs of people living in the East Valley area of Arizona because we live here too.

We are a family-owned business dedicated to the families we serve, treating our customers like we would members of our own family. Trust our dedicated, experienced professionals, our eco-friendly pest control solutions, and our industry-leading methods to solve your property’s rodent problems.

By maintaining a long-term relationship with our customers, we ensure their properties become and stay free of rodents and other pests. To learn more, give us a call today!