Rodents
(Rodentia)
Average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars 
What are rodents?
The most common rodents that people are familiar with are the mouse and rat. Both mice and rats are pests that regularly invade our Pennsylvania homes and businesses. Mice, rats, and some other rodents have learned the benefits of living near people and won’t hesitate to take advantage of the amenities we provide them.
Examples of rodents that live in our West Chester area and regularly find their way onto our properties to nest and forage for food include:
- House mice
- Field mice
- Wood rats
- Roof rats
- Meadow voles
- Moles
Are rodents dangerous?
Rodents are both destructive and dangerous. Most of the damage caused by rodents in our homes is because of their front incisors. All rodents have sharp, chisel-like front teeth that grow continuously throughout their life. To keep these teeth from overgrowing, they are always gnawing on objects they come across.
In our homes, rodents chew on wires, cables, cabinets, flooring, furniture, and other belongings to keep their teeth worn down. They will also use their teeth to create customized entrances and exits to more easily access the nests they have made within your home.
Another reason why rodents are unwanted pests in our homes is that they cause many health risks. As rodents travel through your home searching for food, they will spread diseases, bacteria, and parasites (fleas and ticks). Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a serious respiratory disease transmitted by infected rodents through their urine, droppings, or saliva. Other health risks include leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, tularemia, and salmonellosis, allergies, and asthma.
Why do I have a rodent problem?
In Pennsylvania, rodents are problematic throughout the year and can move into our homes at any time, but during the winter months, we tend to see an increase in rodent activity in homes and businesses because, during the winter, the temperatures outside are colder, and food is more scarce. Rodents gravitate to the warmth our homes provide and the food we have stored inside.
Where will I find rodents?
Rodents live in almost any habitat, including wooded areas, fields, meadows, gardens, and around water sources (ponds, lakes, rivers). Our yards often provide them with plenty of outdoor nesting and hiding spots like woodpiles, piles of leaves, fallen trees, tree hollows, and play structures, sheds, or garages.
When rodents move into our homes, they move to dark, quiet areas. Rodents are prey animals and like to stay out of high traffic areas. Attics, crawl spaces, basement clutter, wall voids, and spaces behind appliances are nesting spots that rodents regularly take advantage of.
How do I get rid of rodents?
The fastest and most efficient way to eliminate dangerous and damaging rodents from your home or business is to partner with a professional. At Masters Touch Pest Solutions, we have over 25 years of local pest control experience, and we will provide you with the effective and dependable pest control services necessary to identify and remove rodents from your property and prevent their future return!
If you need help getting rid of rodents in the West Chester area, reach out to Masters Touch Pest Solutions. Our professionals will be happy to go over our tailored residential or commercial rodent control options with you!
How can I prevent rodents in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, take advantage of the following prevention tips to keep rodents out of your yard:
- Food odors attract rodents. Keep tight-fitting or locking lids on trash cans, recycling bins, and compost bins to help reduce rodent activity.
- Seal up entry points in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
- Repair any roof damage and place screens over vents and chimneys.
- Use a mesh material or steel wool to seal spaces around wires, pipes, and other utilities entering your home.
- Cut back overgrown vegetation, bushes, and tree branches from your home to reduce their ability to hide near your home.
- Regularly mow your lawn to keep the grass short.
- Routinely move large appliances and clean behind them.
- Keep cabinets, pantries, tables, and counters free of clutter and food debris.