Some people call squirrels – big eyed rats with fussy tails, others call rats – baby squirrels that haunt the night. I say they are rodents that transmit diseases. Both rodents can carry the plague – yes the one from the medieval ages, the deadliest infectious disease. Squirrels are also know to transmit tularemia ( very high fatality rate), typhus and ringworm through bites or other forms of direct contact, like feces. Then there are rats, these little night devils can carry even more diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and salmonella. So you ask which one of these vermin is worst when it comes down to transmitting diseases, well on a scale of 10, rats are 9/10 and squirrels are 8/10 (mostly because the high fatality rate of tularemia).
Dealing with mice in the kitchen is definitely frustrating. Here are some ideas to address the issue:
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your kitchen for cracks, holes, or gaps in walls, windows, and around plumbing pipes. Seal any potential entry points with caulk, steel wool, or weather stripping.
2. Set Traps
Snap traps: Classic and effective for quick results.
Catch-and-release traps: If you prefer not to kill them, use humane traps.
Glue traps: These can catch mice, though some people find them less humane.
3. Use Natural Repellents
Peppermint oil: Mice dislike strong smells. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around areas where mice are active.
Cloves and cayenne pepper: These can also act as natural deterrents. Sprinkle them around your kitchen or near known entry points.
Ultrasonic repellents: Devices that emit a sound that’s irritating to rodents but inaudible to humans.
4. Clean Up Attractants
Tidy up: Mice are often drawn to crumbs, food scraps, or unsealed food containers. Make sure the kitchen is spotless, including under appliances and in cabinets.
Seal food: Store food in airtight containers and keep pet food or any leftovers covered.
5. Professional Help
If the problem persists, call Go Green Pest Control, pest control experts. We can address not only the mice problem but also inspect for any underlying issues you might miss.
6. Use a Natural Predatory Deterrent
If you’re comfortable with it, having a cat can be an effective, natural solution to keep mice at bay. Just make sure your cat doesn’t become a bigger nuisance in the kitchen than the mice!
7. Consider a Rodent Repellent Spray
There are sprays available that are designed to deter rodents from entering or lingering in areas where you don’t want them.
Rats are sneaky, fast-breeding, and incredibly adaptable, making them a serious nuisance for homeowners. In Canada, two species cause the most trouble: Norway rats and roof rats.
Norway rats stick to the ground, often burrowing under homes, sheds, and garages.
Roof rats are more common on the west coast of British Columbia and prefer higher places like attics, trees, and rooflines.
How to Tell Them Apart
Norway rats are great swimmers and tend to live in basements, crawl spaces, and lower levels of buildings.
Roof rats are more agile climbers, often found nesting in trees or high-up spaces like attics and rafters.
Why Norway Rats Are More Common
Norway rats are better at finding and eating food, allowing them to reproduce faster and push roof rats out of many areas. Although roof rats arrived in North America first, Norway rats spread quickly after being introduced on ships. In places with limited food, you’re more likely to only find Norway rats.
Roof Rats Can Survive the Cold
Despite being originally from warmer climates, roof rats have adapted to survive in cooler regions—even in places where temperatures hover just above freezing. In colder months, they may burrow into warm spots, like inside walls or attics. With climate change and rising temperatures, roof rats may expand their range into more areas of Canada.
What This Means for Homeowners
Stay vigilant year-round: Rats don’t take a break in winter. They’ll find ways to stay warm—often inside your home.
Seal entry points: Both species can squeeze through small openings. Check for cracks, gaps, and holes around your home.
Keep food secure: Rats are excellent scavengers. Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs to avoid attracting them.
Trim trees and bushes: Since roof rats like to climb, overhanging branches can act as a bridge to your home.
Monitor for signs: Look for droppings, gnawed wires, or scratching noises in walls or ceilings.
If you suspect a rat problem, act quickly! The longer they stay, the harder they are to remove. Consider contacting a professional pest management provider (PMP) to handle infestations effectively.
Yikes, a mouse in the kitchen can definitely be unsettling! Here’s a quick guide on what you can do to deal with the situation:
Stay Calm – First, try not to panic. Mice are usually more afraid of you than you are of them.
Contain the Mouse – If possible, try to contain it in one area of the kitchen. Close doors or block off access to other rooms to prevent it from scurrying away.
Remove Food and Clean Up – Mice are usually attracted to food. Make sure to clear any crumbs, spills, or food scraps from countertops, tables, and floors. Store food in sealed containers and remove any garbage.
Set Traps – If you’re comfortable with it, you can use traps to catch the mouse. Snap traps, live traps (if you prefer a humane option), or even glue traps can all work. Place them along the walls where mice tend to travel, as they usually avoid open spaces.
Seal Entry Points – Mice can sneak in through tiny gaps. Check for any cracks, holes, or openings around windows, doors, and even pipes. Seal these up to prevent more mice from entering.
Call Pest Control – If you’re not comfortable handling it yourself, or if it’s a recurring issue, it might be a good idea to contact Go Green Pest Control Corp. We can help with a more thorough solution.
Mice can carry a variety of diseases and cause significant damage, which is why it’s important to address the situation quickly. Here’s a breakdown of potential risks:
Diseases Mice Can Carry
Mice are known to carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic diseases), usually through urine, droppings, saliva, or bites. Some of the most common ones include:
Hantavirus – Spread through droppings, urine, or saliva. In rare cases, humans can become infected by breathing in dust particles from dried mouse waste.
Leptospirosis – Can be transmitted through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated by mouse urine. It can lead to severe liver or kidney damage if untreated.
Salmonella – Mice can carry the bacteria in their feces. If they contaminate food or surfaces, you could ingest it, leading to food poisoning symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.).
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) – A viral infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases, lead to neurological problems like meningitis.
Plague – While rare today, mice can carry fleas that transmit the plague, which caused pandemics in history. This is mostly a concern in certain rural or wild areas.
Toxoplasmosis – Can be spread by handling contaminated mouse droppings, though it’s more commonly associated with cats. It can cause flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, more severe issues.
Rat-Bite Fever – Though more commonly associated with rats, mice can sometimes spread this bacterial infection, which causes fever, rashes, and joint pain.
Damage Mice Can Cause
Besides the health risks, mice can cause a lot of physical damage:
Chewing on Materials – Mice have a constant need to gnaw. They can chew on wires, insulation, pipes, drywall, furniture, and even food packaging. This can lead to costly repairs and pose fire hazards, especially if they chew through electrical wires.
Contaminating Food – Mice can spoil food by contaminating it with their urine, feces, and hair. They can also damage food packaging, making it inedible or unsafe.
Structural Damage – They can create nests by chewing through insulation or even walls, causing damage that can be expensive to repair.
Damage to Stored Goods – Mice are often attracted to paper, cardboard, fabrics, and even books, which they might gnaw on for nesting or food. This can lead to damage to important documents or other materials you store in the kitchen or elsewhere.
Pest Infestation – Mice can lead to a larger infestation if not dealt with quickly. If they have access to your kitchen, it’s possible other pests (such as fleas, ticks, or lice) could follow.
Sugar ants are often attracted to sugary or sweet substances. If they’re coming into your house, they might have found food sources like crumbs, spills, or even pet food. They can also be drawn to moisture in areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Sugar ants, also known as sweet ants, are a type of small ant that primarily seeks out sugary food sources. While they’re not actually a specific species, the term “sugar ant” is often used to describe several species of ants that prefer sweet foods, especially in homes. They are commonly attracted to things like sugar, syrup, honey, and other sugary snacks, but will also go after greasy or fatty foods if necessary.
The most common species referred to as “sugar ants” they’re typically small, about 1/8 inch long, and can form long trails when they find food.
These ants usually build their nests outdoors, but they can invade homes in search of food, especially during warmer months or if there’s easy access to a food source indoors.
Here’s how to get rid of them:
Clean up food sources: Make sure to wipe down surfaces, clean up crumbs, and store food in airtight containers. Also, take out the trash regularly.
Seal entry points: Try to figure out where they’re coming in from, such as cracks around windows or doors, and seal those off with caulk.
Create barriers: You can use natural deterrents like cinnamon, vinegar, or lemon juice along entry points or ant trails. Sugar ants don’t like strong scents!
Ant bait: If the problem persists, ant bait can be helpful. The ants take the bait back to their colony, which can help eliminate them at the source.
DIY sprays: A mix of water and dish soap in a spray bottle can work to kill ants on contact, and the soap can block their scent trails.
Unwanted guests in your ceiling—likely mice or rats. Common rodents that tend to invade homes include:
House Mice: Small, quick-moving, and can fit through tiny cracks. They are often the culprits in ceilings and walls.
Norway Rats: Larger than mice, these rats tend to nest in attics or ceilings and are known for being persistent.
Roof Rats: These are also a possibility, especially if you have a high roof or access points in the attic. They’re agile climbers and typically nest in higher places.
Here’s what you can do:
Check for Entry Points: Inspect your ceiling, attic, or roof for gaps or cracks that rodents might be using to get in. Seal up any holes you find, particularly around vents, pipes, or ducts.
Set Traps: You can use snap traps, live traps, or glue traps. The choice depends on your preference, but snap traps are the most effective for quick kills.
Rodent Repellents: Some people have success using ultrasonic repellents, peppermint oil, or commercially available rodent repellents. However, their effectiveness can vary.
Clean Up and Remove Food: If you’re leaving food or trash easily accessible, it’s a big invitation for rodents. Make sure your living space is clean and food is stored in sealed containers.
Call a Professional: If you’re dealing with an infestation or if you’re not comfortable handling it yourself, calling Go Green Pest Control is the best solution. We can safely remove rodents and help prevent them from returning.
Have you noticed any droppings or sounds in the ceiling? This might help narrow down which type of rodent you’re dealing with.
Silverfish come from outside or from neighboring infested areas. They tend to move in through cracks in walls, windows, or even when bringing in infested items like old books, clothing, or cardboard. Because they’re nocturnal and elusive, they can spread unnoticed for a while.
Damage They Cause: Silverfish can cause a fair amount of destruction, especially to things like:
Books, paper, and wallpaper: They’ll munch on glue, paper, and starches, leaving behind irregular holes or frayed edges.
Clothing and fabric: They can damage fabric, particularly if it’s made from natural fibers like cotton or linen.
Food: They’ll often sneak into dry food packages, contaminating them with their droppings.
Getting Rid of Them:
Reduce humidity: Silverfish love damp environments, so lowering humidity can make your home less appealing to them. Consider using a dehumidifier or improving ventilation.
Seal cracks: Check for gaps around windows, doors, or baseboards, and seal them up to prevent silverfish from getting inside.
Remove food sources: Make sure food (especially starchy or sugary foods) is stored in airtight containers. Clean up crumbs or spills promptly.
Declutter: Silverfish hide in dark, cluttered areas, so organizing basements, attics, and closets can discourage them.
Traps and insecticides: You can use traps to catch silverfish or insecticides that target them, though they typically don’t fully resolve an infestation.
Professional pest control: If you have a larger infestation, it might be best to call in the pros, Go Green Pest Control. We can assess the situation and provide more long-term solutions like targeted treatments or pest-proofing your home.
If you’ve noticed any signs of silverfish, like droppings or damage to items, it’s best to act fast to avoid a full-on invasion. Have you noticed any silverfish around your home?
Feeding raccoons and birds can lead to a variety of problems because it creates an artificial food source that attracts other wildlife, including mice, rats, squirrels, and skunks. Here are some reasons why this can be problematic:
Attracting Pests: Leftover food can attract rodents like mice and rats, which are drawn to easy food sources. These animals can become a nuisance and pose health risks by spreading diseases.
Wildlife Overpopulation: Regular feeding can lead to increased populations of raccoons and other animals, which can cause competition for resources and lead to aggressive behavior among them.
Health Risks: Raccoons and other wildlife can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. Close encounters with them can increase the risk of transmission to pets and humans.
Property Damage: Animals drawn to feeders may dig through trash, chew on structures, or cause damage to gardens and landscaping in search of food.
Dependency: Animals may become reliant on human-provided food, which can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors and lead to issues when the food source is removed.
Conflict with Pets: Attracting wildlife can lead to dangerous encounters with pets, especially if they feel threatened or are protecting their young.
To minimize these risks, it’s advisable to avoid feeding wildlife and to use bird feeders designed to limit access to larger animals. Keeping outdoor areas clean and securing trash can also help deter unwanted wildlife.
The future for rats and mice in 2025 will likely be shaped by a combination of ecological, environmental, and scientific factors. Here’s an overview of some key areas that could impact these rodents in the near future:
1. Urban Environments
Rats and mice will continue to thrive in urban settings due to the abundant food sources and shelter these environments provide. As human populations grow in cities and urban sprawl continues, these rodents are likely to adapt and increase in number. Their ability to survive in dense environments and near human infrastructure will ensure their persistence.
2. Climate Change
Climate change may also have an impact on rodent populations. Warmer temperatures could extend their breeding seasons, leading to larger populations, while shifts in ecosystems could alter the availability of food and shelter. Additionally, climate-related changes in weather patterns may force rats and mice to migrate to new areas, potentially introducing them to regions where they were previously less common.
3. Pest Control Technologies
In 2025, advancements in pest control could potentially influence the number of rats and mice in human environments. Newer technologies, such as genetically engineered poisons, automated traps, or even biological pest control (e.g., introducing predators or parasites that target rodents), could help manage rodent populations more effectively. However, these methods may also come with ethical and ecological concerns.
4. Genetic Research and Conservation
Interestingly, genetic research may also play a role in the future of rats and mice. Studies in genetic modification could lead to ways to control populations or even alter the behavior and traits of rodents to make them less disruptive. For instance, efforts might focus on reducing their ability to spread disease or harm agricultural crops.
5. Disease and Health
Rodents have long been vectors for diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and the bubonic plague. In the coming years, public health initiatives and advancements in disease prevention could help reduce the health risks posed by rats and mice. For example, vaccines or targeted treatments could help minimize the spread of diseases carried by rodents.
6. Research and Ethics
Rats and mice are commonly used in scientific research, particularly in medical studies. The future of these rodents may be influenced by evolving ethical standards and increased scrutiny over animal testing. There may be greater emphasis on finding alternative models, like computer simulations or lab-grown tissues, to reduce the need for live animal subjects.
In summary, the future for rats and mice in 2025 will likely be a mixture of both challenges and opportunities. While they will continue to adapt and thrive in urban environments, advancements in pest control and scientific research may help manage their populations and minimize their negative impact on human health and the environment.
IPM is a comprehensive approach to rodent control that emphasizes long-term prevention and minimizes the use of pesticides. It involves:
Preventing rodents from entering your home,
Monitoring and identifying rodent activity,
Using traps and alternatives to chemicals, and
Resorting to pesticides only when absolutely necessary.
Key Steps in IPM for Rodents:
Prevention Preventing rodents from entering your home is the first step in managing rodent problems:
Identification Proper identification helps tailor control strategies:
Monitoring Regular checks are crucial to early detection:
Threshold Determine when control actions are necessary:
Treatment If monitoring shows a need for action:
Evaluation Assess the effectiveness of your efforts:
Conclusion:
By following the IPM approach, residents can effectively manage rodent populations while protecting health, pets, wildlife, and the environment. Prevention, through a clean, sealed, and clutter-free environment, is the best long-term strategy to keep rodents away.
