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Rodents

What are Rodents?

Rodents (or “Rodentia” to give them their proper title) are mammals that are characterized by having two incisors which must be kept short by gnawing as they grow continuously. Among the most well known and common rodents are:

Of those, the most common rodents to find in a property are mice and rats and both species are considered to be commensal rodents, meaning that they have an unusual relationship with humans which leads them to share the table. Rats are generally larger than mice and can grow up to 18 inches long, including the tail and mice are around 7 ½ inches long, including the tail.  Rodents, like mice and rats, are a common pest problem for Washington D.C. homeowners and businesses, especially during the winter season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Both rats and mice are looking for shelter, food, and water. Although it is more common to find them nesting and living outside it is common for them to stay in buildings and properties if the right conditions exist. They will gain entry to properties through cracks and holes, but also through openings that have been made for utilities but the size of hole required will differ by species. As an example, an adult common house mouse can fit through a hole no bigger than a dime or squeeze through a crack the width of a pencil.

Rats and mice have long been documented as carriers of serious disease and parasites like fleas and ticks. Some of the diseases carried by them are:
-Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, or LCM – A viral infection that can cause fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea and vomiting.
-Salmonellosis – A bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
-Mycoplasma – A type of bacteria which is known to cause respiratory problems and pneumonia.
-Leptospirosis – A bacterial disease that can cause high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting.
-Dysentery – A gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain and cramps.
Rats and mice can also contaminate food and inflict significant damage to residential and commercial properties.

By their very nature, rats and mice are elusive, shy, and fast-moving but they also possess another quality which can be used to assist in removal – a natural curiosity. It is still not easy to rid your property of rats and mice and this is where American Pest comes in. Our highly trained DC exterminators will make a thorough inspection of your property and tailor a rodent control solution to your every need, ensuring a quick and full answer to your problems.

There are plenty of Do-It-Yourself measures available but it is not often that they are successful. It takes a trained eye to know just where to place bait and traps for maximum effect and this is just the quality American Pest’s professionals possess. Worth remembering too is the fact that chemicals and pesticides can be extremely harmful to humans and pets if mixed or used incorrectly which is why it is best to call in the professionals – American Pest. At American Pest, we are rodent exterminators for the Washington D.C. area and get rid of mice and rats for homes and businesses.

Every product used by American Pest has first been extensively tested by the EPA and registered for pest control use. Only then do we use it and apply it following a strict set of guidelines, ensuring the safety of all humans and pets.

There are plenty of Do-It-Yourself measures available but it is not often that they are successful. It takes a trained eye to know just where to place bait and traps for maximum effect and this is just the quality American Pest’s professionals possess. Worth remembering too is the fact that chemicals and pesticides can be extremely harmful to humans and pets if mixed or used incorrectly which is why it is best to call in the professionals – American Pest. At American Pest, we are rodent exterminators for the Washington D.C. area and get rid of mice and rats for homes and businesses.

Rats and mice are tenacious pests and it is not always feasible or possible to prevent them invading your property. However, if any cracks, holes and possible entrances in basements and walls can be filled, the risk of infestation by rats and mice can be kept to a minimum. For more information about our rodent control services in Fulton, Columbia, Alexandria, and throughout MD and Northern VA, please contact us today.

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“American Pest service technicians are always willing to take their time and listen to concerns, answer questions and crawl around checking out areas that may show signs of intruding insects or rodents.”

V. MaierSilver Spring, MD

“I wanted to write to say how impressed I am with your entire crew and the general way you operate. Everyone who entered my home was sympathetic, sensitive, competent, and respectful. I think what stands out was the way your company understood, and expressed in its own way, the psychological damage that bed bugs inflict.”

E. SmithRockville, MD

“Everyone at this company is wonderful to work with – whether it’s customer service, billing, technicians and even the web team! I love this company!”

J. EvansBeltsville, MD

“I called American Pest because of an ant problem but they wound up treating so much more. Great conversation with the main office and the tech who came to the house was incredibly punctual, courteous, extremely knowledgeable/excited about his work. Happy to say I no longer share the house with ants or any other insects!”

J. DaviesSevern, MD

“Excellent service!! Our rep was great, answered all our questions, and explained things well. Had a lot of spiders and other crawlers; nothing since our service!! Would highly recommend!!”

L. HernandezRichmond, VA

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