When you think of a rodent, what comes to mind? Probably a rat. In reality, there are over a thousand types of rodents around the world. Rodents include squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, porcupines, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, and voles. The list goes on. For the sake of this article, we’ll focus on some interesting facts about the most common rodents—rats and mice. These facts are sure to have you requesting a rodent removal in Tampa, FL.
Fact 1: They Carry Diseases
Rats and mice carry numerous diseases that they can easily spread through their urine, saliva, bites, scratches, and droppings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these rodents can carry hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, lymphocytic chorio-meningitis, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and tularemia. The list doesn’t end there. The CDC says that these furry creatures can spread over 35 types of diseases.
Fact 2: They Have Many Babies
When it comes to reproduction, rats and mice are not like humans. Rats and mice start having babies as early as six weeks old and can get pregnant again in a matter of days and reproduce as frequently as every three weeks. A mouse can get pregnant around 10 times per year producing as many as 12 offspring per birth. This rapid speed of breeding is why infestations occur.
Fact 3: Their Name is Synonymous With “Gnaw”
In Latin, rodent means “to gnaw.” Their teeth grow nonstop, and gnawing helps to keep their incisors trimmed. They have the ability to gnaw their way through wiring, brick, wood, lead and sheeting. They chew up other materials to make nesting wherever they settle. Their chewing habits can be quite destructive.
Why Do These Facts Matter to You?
Diseases can make you and your loved ones sick. New litters of babies every few weeks. Sharp teeth with the ability to gnaw on just about anything—good for them but terrible for you. There are other interesting facts about rats and mice including their ability to squeeze their way into the smallest holes, the ability to hold their breaths for extended periods of time (forget about flushing them down a toilet!), and they can go without water for a while. They also have an excellent memory which helps them to find their way back into familiar places.
If you spot a mouse in your house, don’t leave anything to chance. Get a rodent removal in Tampa, FL as soon as possible. For every one mouse, there could be dozens near or in your home or place of business.