Rodent Identification & Prevention

Rats and mice are the most common rodents to find their way into our Knoxville structures. Adult rats are larger than adult mice. A rat's ears and tail are void of hair, and its nose is blunt. Mice are small rodents with pointed noses and a light layer of velvety fur covering their tails and ears.

Something that all mice, rats, and other rodents have in common is their continuously growing front incisors. They constantly need to gnaw to help prevent their teeth from overgrowing, causing pain, and preventing them from eating. Their need to chew is why rodents are such destructive pests.

If there is any good news regarding rat and mouse infestations, it is that you usually only have to deal with one at a time. Rats and mice won't typically invade the same home simultaneously. Because mice and rats don't invade homes together, accurately identifying the species on your property is vital in ensuring a proper treatment to get rid of them. 

Dangerous, destructive, disease-spreading, smelly, and annoying are just some of the words used to describe rodents. When rodents decide to call your property home, they will quickly cause serious problems and make you feel uneasy in your own home.

The most significant dangers that rodents cause are contaminating our food and surfaces with bacteria that make us sick, introducing parasites into our yards and homes, and damaging the structure of our homes and personal belongings.

There are many reasons why rodents in Tennessee have become a problem for Knoxville homeowners. The biggest reason is that our yards and homes are conducive to rodent activity. Our properties provide rodents with many harborage spots and easy access to multiple food sources and water. Rodents are curious creatures, and over time, they have learned that living with people is quite beneficial to their success.

Since rodents like to hang out where people live and spend time, parks, gardens, yards, garages, sheds, and our homes are places we regularly spot rodents.

Some of their preferred outdoor hiding spots include woodpiles, trash cans, overgrown vegetation, yard clutter, and outbuildings. 

While rodents do like to live outside, if there is a lack of food or weather conditions that make them uncomfortable, they have no trouble using our homes to survive. Some of their favorite indoor hiding spots include wall voids, attics, basements, spaces under furniture, and the backs of cabinets and appliances. 

If rodents are in your home, you'll likely notice some of the following signs:

• A strong, musty odor
• Gnaw marks on wooden trim, cabinets, and food containers
• Scratching or running sounds behind walls
• Dark, rice-like droppings in drawers, cabinets, and storage boxes

If you discover rodent activity in your home, don't just hope they will eventually go away; take action. Call Pest OPS today for the best rodent control in Knoxville, TN.

To get rid of rodents, turn to Pest OPS. We are the top Knoxville pest control experts with over 25 years of experience!

To get started removing rodents from your property, we will look for signs of rodent activity and accurately identify the presence of rats or mice. Then we will implement a plan of action based on your needs. 

Trust our pest specialists to remove rodents from your property and prevent a new infestation from forming. You no longer have to look for rodent control near you; give the local rodent control professionals at Pest OPS a call today!

To avoid problems with rodents in and around your home in the future, implement the following prevention tips: 

• Rodents love to hide in clutter. Remove debris from your yard and keep your home's storage areas organized and clutter-free. 
• Cut back shrubs and bushes from your home's exterior that could mask rodents entering and exiting your home.
• Inspect your home's exterior and seal any cracks, gaps, and other small openings you discover.
• Install door sweeps.
• Make sure to place appropriate covers on your chimneys and vents. 
• Stop food odors from attracting rodents by placing lids on trash cans, regularly harvesting gardens, and removing bird feeders.
• Regularly vacuum and mop your home to remove crumbs and sticky spills.

The easiest and more stress-free way to prevent rodent problems is to partner with us at Pest OPS. Call today!