Rats
There are two species of rats that are common to the area that infest structures, Roof rats and Norway rats.
Roof rats are nimble climbers and use powerlines, trees, pergolas, and even downspouts to gain access to the roofline and ultimately your attic space.
Norway rats are proficient at tunneling and routinely live in underground colonies in the wild. Norway rats are capable of tunneling under your foundation and capable of creating openings through siding, vent screens, and even concrete. They will take advantage of any opening 1/2″ or bigger. They prefer garages and sub-areas but are commonly found in attics as well. Especially in the wintertime.
Both Roof rats and Norway rats are excellent gnawers and can cause significant damage to wood, wires, and ductwork. Both species have gestation periods of 21-24 days with litters of 7-10 pups. A female rat will give birth on average about 6 times per year. Rats will reach sexual maturity after 4-5 weeks.
Roof rats and Norway rats both are carriers of several diseases that humans are capable of contracting. These are by and large spread directly through their droppings and urine trails. When droppings are disturbed, microscopic particles can be spread in the air, thus available for humans to breathe them in. It is highly recommended not to disturb any rodent droppings found in attics, garages, or sub-areas.
Roof rats and Norway rats are nocturnal by nature but can be active during the day if certain circumstances are present. Although there are different behavioral patterns between Roof rats and Norway rats, they will take on each other’s behaviors when there is an immediate need for food, water, and/or shelter. Seasons and weather along with some other influences play a major factor in rodents infesting buildings. If you hear pitter-patter, hear gnawing and chewing, or see droppings, it is time to call Cook Pest Management for professional intervention.
Mice
Mice are another common rodent known to infest structures in the area.
Mice more often than not, find their way in when they sense extreme weather on the horizon. Heat in the summertime, rain, and cold in the wintertime. They can fit through gaps the size of a dime or 1/4 inch flat.
Mice can sustain themselves completely within a structure as long as they have a food and water source. They usually only venture 15-30 feet from their nesting site. This means your kitchen and cabinetry are the prime harborage area in the living space. The gestation period for mice is 20-24 days with 5-10 pups per litter. Mice can have up to 10 litters in a year.
Mice, just like rats can spread diseases to humans. So it’s very important to get ahead of any infestation and contact Cook Pest Management if you suspect mice activity.
There are two species of rats that are common to the area that infest structures, Roof rats and Norway rats.
Roof rats are nimble climbers and use powerlines, trees, pergolas, and even downspouts to gain access to the roofline and ultimately your attic space.
Norway rats are proficient at tunneling and routinely live in underground colonies in the wild. Norway rats are capable of tunneling under your foundation and capable of creating openings through siding, vent screens, and even concrete. They will take advantage of any opening 1/2″ or bigger. They prefer garages and sub-areas but are commonly found in attics as well. Especially in the wintertime.
Both Roof rats and Norway rats are excellent gnawers and can cause significant damage to wood, wires, and ductwork. Both species have gestation periods of 21-24 days with litters of 7-10 pups. A female rat will give birth on average about 6 times per year. Rats will reach sexual maturity after 4-5 weeks.
Roof rats and Norway rats both are carriers of several diseases that humans are capable of contracting. These are by and large spread directly through their droppings and urine trails. When droppings are disturbed, microscopic particles can be spread in the air, thus available for humans to breathe them in. It is highly recommended not to disturb any rodent droppings found in attics, garages, or sub-areas.
Roof rats and Norway rats are nocturnal by nature but can be active during the day if certain circumstances are present. Although there are different behavioral patterns between Roof rats and Norway rats, they will take on each other’s behaviors when there is an immediate need for food, water, and/or shelter. Seasons and weather along with some other influences play a major factor in rodents infesting buildings. If you hear pitter-patter, hear gnawing and chewing, or see droppings, it is time to call Cook Pest Management for professional intervention.
Mice
Mice are another common rodent known to infest structures in the area.
Mice more often than not, find their way in when they sense extreme weather on the horizon. Heat in the summertime, rain, and cold in the wintertime. They can fit through gaps the size of a dime or 1/4 inch flat.
Mice can sustain themselves completely within a structure as long as they have a food and water source. They usually only venture 15-30 feet from their nesting site. This means your kitchen and cabinetry are the prime harborage area in the living space. The gestation period for mice is 20-24 days with 5-10 pups per litter. Mice can have up to 10 litters in a year.
Mice, just like rats can spread diseases to humans. So it’s very important to get ahead of any infestation and contact Cook Pest Management if you suspect mice activity.