Discovering rodents in your home is distressing. It may also be unavoidable if recent Census statistics are an indication. In 2021, an astounding 14.8 million U.S. homeowners reported having rodent issues. () And those are just the folks that reported it. The real number is hard to fathom, considering that many homeowners likely do not. 

Mice And Rats Common To The La Crosse Area

There are many rodents in our area, but only a handful of species tend to cause problems for homeowners: Common house mice, deer mice, roof rats, and Norway rats.

Common house mice are the most pervasive, but deer mice can be a nuisance, too, and are often found in more rural areas. Both look similar, but you can easily tell them apart. House mice have gray or brown fur, and their entire coat is one color. Deer mice, on the other hand, have white fur on their bellies, legs, and feet. 

Norway rats are the most problematic in the area, with roof rats a close second. Both species have brown fur, but Norway's coat is coarse and shaggy, whereas the roof's coat is smooth. The Norway is a burrowing species; however, the roof likes to be up off the ground and commonly infest attics and rafters. 

Signs Of A Rat Or Mouse Infestation

Both mice and rats are shy creatures that do everything they can to avoid you. They are also extremely clever. It is common for an infestation to become advanced before you spot a rodent, but there are still some signs to watch for.

Droppings are often the first clue. Mice and rats release excrement everywhere except inside their nests. Chewing is another sign. Rodents are incredibly destructive and continually gnaw on things. In fact, mice and rats have teeth that don't stop growing, so this behavior may be as necessary as instinctive. () Look for holes in baseboards, doors, walls, frayed cords and wiring, and damaged boxes and furniture. And don't forget to check the food packaging in your cupboards. Other signs include finding nesting materials like shredded insulation, paper, and fabric. Foul odors may also indicate, and you might even hear squeaking noises when your home is quiet.

Rodent Diseases 

Ignoring a rodent's presence in your home isn't wise. Rats and mice spread countless diseases, including plague, typhus, HPS, Leptospirosis, and many others. They have a long and intimidating history of making humans sick. They also carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice. 

How To Eliminate Rodent Problems

Getting rid of rodents on your own is challenging. If you've experienced an issue, you probably already know how often they return. Yes, you can clean up and make it harder for them to get at your food, but once your home is on their radar, it remains a target. Professional help is your best option to break and stop the cycle for good.

A Defense Against Mice And Rats That You Can Rely On

Your top-rated, go-to rodent control specialist in La Crosse and the surrounding areas is 1st Defense Pest Solutions. We offer the industry's most effective rodent treatment and prevention services, including exclusion, which seals up the many access points of your home so that mice and rats can no longer get inside. It's the defense you can rely on and lasting peace of mind. Contact us today.