When most Nebraska homeowners think about summer pest problems, they don’t automatically picture rodents. Usually, we think of mice and rats as solely cold-weather pests, but summer in Nebraska brings its own wave of rodent activity for a plethora of reasons. Knowing what to look out for is the first step in protecting your home. Read on to learn why you may be seeing these intruders in your home during the warmer months.
Why Rodents Aren’t Solely a Winter Problem
Winter is peak season for rodent infestations because the cold drives them inside. Without these low temperatures stirring up rodent activity indoors, you may be wondering why you’re seeing signs of their presence. First, food sources are abundant and daylight hours are longer in the warmer months, both of which drive rodents to breed at a faster rate. Higher populations mean more chances for an invasion.
Like us, rodents like to find places to escape the heat, and this often ends up being inside people’s homes. And if your home has food and water sources, rodents may be inclined to extend their stay. On top of that, your yard can be particularly inviting this time of year, with bird feeders, grills, pet food and trash cans offering an easy meal. Rodents aren’t picky. What we see as waste, they see as a feast.
The “Big Three” of Rodent Activity in Nebraska
There are several species of rodents that can invade your home, and knowing which ones you’re likely to run into or are currently dealing with can help you determine your next steps. In Nebraska, there are three species in particular that homeowners find themselves facing: house mice, deer mice and Norway rats. If you discover signs of rodent activity in your Nebraska home, chances are that it’s one of these.
House Mice: The Most Common Visitor
House mice are by far the most common rodent Nebraska homeowners run into. They’re small mice that are either gray or brown in color with black eyes. Their long tails are almost completely hairless and have a scaly texture. They nest in small cracks, crevices and quiet corners of people’s homes. House mice are most active at night, usually scurrying around the kitchen in search of food. You likely won’t spot a live mouse, due to their nocturnal nature, but if you see food packaging that looks like it’s been nibbled on, it could be a sign of their presence.
Deer Mice: The Rural Neighbor
Slightly bigger than house mice, deer mice have brown or gray fur with white bellies and feet. Their ears are larger and rounder than those of house mice. They’re commonly found in barns, sheds and open fields, often in more rural areas. While they’re mostly outside-dwelling rodents, they can make their way into people’s homes, where they cause damage and present health risks. Deer mice are well-known carriers of hantavirus, so if you suspect an infestation of these mice, call a professional mice control team for help.
Norway Rats: The Larger Rodent Problem
Norway rats, also known as brown rats, are significantly larger than house mice and deer mice but present many of the same risks, including property damage and health risks. They are brownish-black in color with coarse fur and a long tail. They’re often found in basements, attics, and other undisturbed areas with access to food and water sources.
Like most other rodents, Norway rats are nocturnal, doing most of their scavenging and damage at night. That’s why you may hear scratching or thumping sounds while you’re trying to sleep. When Norway rats take up shelter in your home, it’s rare that they’ll leave on their own, making professional rodent control vital.
What Nebraska Homeowners Can Do About Rodents
The good news is that summer rodent problems can be avoided with the right precautions. First and foremost, make sure your home isn’t attractive to these pests. This mainly relies on reducing food and water sources, which involves keeping your home and yard free of standing water, trash and debris. Seal entry points around your foundation, siding, doors and windows to prevent them from coming in. Keep your lawn well-manicured, and store firewood off the ground and a few feet away from your home’s exterior to avoid giving them easy access points. A few preventative measures now can go a long way in protecting your home from a future infestation.
Of course, the best way to keep rodents away from your home or to eliminate an existing infestation is to have a trusted rodent control team by your side. Contact Pro-Staff today for Omaha rodent control you can count on!
