Learn About Rodents in Massachusetts and New York
Rodents belong to the Rodentia order, the largest order of mammals. With more than 2,000 species, the variety of habitats is diverse. Some rodents prefer to live in treetops, while others enjoy living underground. Some prefer living near water, but others thrive in dry deserts.
The most common rodents that cause trouble for homeowners and business owners are rats and mice. Both critters have beady eyes, small paws, and tiny ears. From a distance they look cute, but they can create significant damage to buildings, compromise businesses, and pose a dangerous health risk.
Rodent Dangers and Damage
Rodents carry more than 35 different diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some diseases, including Hantavirus, are spread directly through contact with saliva or droppings. Other diseases, like salmonella, can contaminate food, countertops, and other surfaces. Rodents may also trigger allergic reactions or introduce other pests, including mites, ticks, and fleas, into inhabited spaces.
In addition to the dangerous health risks posed by rodents, these creatures can do substantial damage. They gnaw everything from packages of food to wooden cabinets. You might find gnaw marks on moldings, around doors and windows, and even on wires, which can create a fire risk or short-circuit electrical systems. Rodents also often destroy insulation by tearing it up to build nests or soiling it with urine and droppings.
