About Rodents – Frequently Asked Questions
Mice and rats; These rodents so cute and disgusting at the same time. As professional exterminators and pest managers, we frequently receive questions about these animals and infestations. Here is a topo of these questions, the most popular.
- Les souris sont-elles vraiment porteuses de maladie?
- Les souris vivent-elles en colonie?
- Les rats, les souris et les mulots appartiennent à quelle famille?
- Que mangent les rongeurs?
- Comment utiliser les répulsifs?
- Infestation et immobilier: les dégâts causés par les souris sont-ils des vices cachés?
- Peut-on calfeutrer sa maison pour éloigner les rongeurs?
- Les rats vivent-ils vraiment dans les égouts?
- Quels types de dégâts les rongeurs sont-ils capables?
- Sont-ils plus attirés par les maisons sales?
- Comment identifier une infestation?
- Pourquoi les souris sont-elles si sympathiques aux enfants et si détestables aux parents?
- À quelle vitesse l’animal se reproduit-il?
- Quelle est l’espérance de vie d’une souris?
- Est-ce que les souris mordent?
- Quelle est la taille minimale pour qu’une souris s’introduise?
- Les ultrasons ont-ils des effets sur les souris?
- Y a-t-il des répulsifs naturels contre les souris?
- À quoi sert un test de fumée?
Appeler René Gélinas Votre exterminateur local, Expérience et intégrité dans la gestion parasitaire
Tel 514 830 2819
Are mice really carriers of disease?
True, mice and other rodents are carriers of diseases, which can be dangerous to humans and their pets. These animals are known to be carriers of diseases, such as:
- La leptospirose,
- Salmonellosis,
- Haverhill fever,
- Tularemia,
- Meningitis,
- Solitary worms,
- Jaundice,
- Bubonic plague,
- The hanta virus
These diseases are very serious for humans, as well as for their pets. For example, the hanta virus attacks the pulmonary system. Just like other viruses and diseases, the symptoms are unpleasant and, even suffering, to be taken very seriously. In the case of the hanta virus, for example, it is a deadly virus.
They transmit its diseases through their feces and urine, left here and there in your home, as well as through their bite and scratch. You can also catch one of the viruses if you touch the dead animal. Do not take unnecessary risks and contact an experienced exterminator. He knows well the technique to apply to get rid of the corpse or the species.
Do mice live in colonies?
Oui, les souris (tout comme les rats) vivent en colonie, pouvant aller jusqu’à des centaines d’individus. Par conséquent, si vous apercevez un de ces « mangeurs de fromage » dans votre domicile, rappelez-vous qu’il n’est pas seul. Mieux vaut faire appel à un exterminateur professionnel pour régler votre problème d’invasion.
Which family belong to rats, mice and field mice?
Ces mammifères rongeurs appartiennent à la famille des Muridés. De cette famille viennent aussi les hamsters, les taupes, les souris domestiques et les rats géants.
What do rodents eat?
Small rodents are omnivores. They are not picky and feed on what they find in your home… especially in your pantry. Every accessible food is a feast! Vegetables, fruits, vegetables, seeds, biscuits in bags, waste… and of course, cheese!
How to use repellents?
Many products, repellents and pesticides against pests, are freely available on the market. Among these, we find chemicals or traps and traps for animals. For each of these techniques, we recommend being vigilant when using.
First of all, chemicals are toxic. Be careful when handling them, as they can harm your health, as well as that of your children and pets.
As for traps and traps, be aware that you will find trapped, injured animals and dead bodies. Be sure to check regularly for small animals to avoid unpleasant odors or that they suffer for too long.
Infestation and real estate: are the damage caused by mice hidden defects?
Sachez que, lors d’une vente de propriété, vous devez déclarer à votre acheteur potentiel s’il y a eu infestation de nuisibles (fourmis, rongeurs, etc) dans la demeure, quand et si un professionnel en extermination est intervenu. Sans quoi, les dégâts causés seront considérés comme un vice caché. L’inspecteur en pré-achat vérifie les entrées possibles pour les nuisibles et évalue les dommages potentiels causés par les rongeurs.
In the event of an infestation, talk to a professional, as this could have fallout that you do not think of.
Can you caulk your house to keep rodents away?
Did you know that an opening as small as a 10 cents is enough for an unwanted visitor to enter your home? When the head passes, the rest of the body can pass too. To prevent an infestation, check that the caulking of doors and windows is in good condition. Seal openings, even if they seem unimportant to you.
Do rats really live in sewers?
Aussi dégoutant que cela puisse paraitre, oui, les rats vivent bien dans les égouts. Mais pas seulement dans les égouts ! Ils apprécient aussi les espaces verts et les parcs, ainsi que la chaleur de votre foyer.
So, before you ask yourself, yes, they can enter your home through the toilet!
What kind of damage do rodents do?
Rats and mice are dirty animals. They leave feces and urine all over your home, including the pantry, where there may be contact with your groceries.
These animals are known to gnaw furniture, wood (door frames, for example), foam insulation, electrical cables and wires … In some cases, rodents have caused fairly significant damage to buildings, requiring major bids and renovations.
Rodents are more attracted to dirty houses?
With the arrival of autumn and cold weather, rodents are attracted, first and foremost, by the warmth of our homes. And not by dirt!
On the other hand, a crowded property offers many hiding places and entry points for small animals. If food is easily accessible in addition, it’s even better!
Take a few precautions:
- Avoid leaving crumbs of food and make sure your groceries are in airtight jars.
- Store your cords of wood away from your home.
- As mentioned earlier, caulk and seal possible openings.
- Keep your living space clean.
Contact us; We can recommend ways to avoid a potential pest infestation.
How to identify an infestation?
Do you hear noises in the walls? Do you find damaged objects ? Are your supplies disappearing? No, you are (probably) not going crazy, but rather being invaded by small rodents.
Pay attention to noises, chewed goods, chewed food, as they surely indicate the presence of these undesirables. You may also find traces of urine and feces. At first appearances, contact your exterminator. Remember that these animals live in colonies and cause damage to your belongings and property.
Why are mice so friendly to children and hateful to parents?
Mickey and Minie Mouse, Ratatouille, Jaq and Gus (Cinderella), Itchy (The Simpsons), Fievel (Fievel in the Wild West), Splinter (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)… Rodents inspire the creators of cartoons and fantasy tales, making these creatures so friendly and cute in the eyes of children. While they represent a nightmare for many adults.
Aware of the risks, damages and possible dangers, the majority of adults are not enchanted by the presence of rodents at home. Some even have a fear, even obsessive, called musophobia. This phobia causes exaggerated worries, nightmares and even panic attacks.
How fast does the animal reproduce?
Mice mate year-round, although increased reproduction is observed during the summer and spring. They can have up to 15 litters per year and give birth to up to 18 pups per litter. Six to ten weeks after birth, these pups are sexually mature, ready to mate too.
Rats reproduce just as quickly.
What is the life expectancy?
The mouse, like the rat, lives from two to three years.
Considering the speed of reproduction, in time and number, as well as their lifespan, do not wait until these animals die of old age before intervening.
Do mice bite?
Yes, mice, just like rats, bite. If you are bitten by this animal, remember to clean the wound and disinfect the wound with an antiseptic.
However, we recommend consulting your doctor following a bite. You may have contracted an illness, as mentioned above, or need stitches.
What is the minimum size for a mouse to enter?
The mouse is agile and very small. It only needs an opening the size of a dime to enter your home.
Does ultrasound have an effect on these small rodents?
Les répulsifs à ultrasons ont l’avantage d’éloigner les rongeurs, sans les tuer, ni aucune manipulation de votre part. Cependant, les souris et les rats possèdent une grande capacité d’adaptation. Elles risquent donc de s’habituer aux bruits émis et de revenir, éventuellement. Lire les pieges anti souris à ultrasons
Are there natural repellents?
Yes, there are natural repellents against mice and other rodents. Eucalyptus essence and peppermint, by their strong smell, are known to keep these animals away from your home. On the other hand, given their strong adaptability, it is better to combine these methods with another strategy to solve the problem.
Moreover, not all cats hunt mice.
