What Are The Types Of Rodents Present In Kansas City?
Rodents, the largest mammals, are characterized by continuously growing front incisors. Opportunistic pests exploit available food, water, and shelter, becoming significant nuisances in commercial facilities.
House mice and roof rats are two prevalent rodent species causing infestation in retail establishments across Kansas and Missouri.
If rodents infest your home, it is advisable to get help from any professional Olathe Pest Control company, who has the necessary training and experience to eradicate them
Typical rodents found in Kansas City
Fortunately, not all rat and mouse species have reached Kansas City. Here, we will highlight three common rodent species frequently found in homes in the Kansas City area.
1. House mouse
The house mouse is the most prevalent rodent in Kansas City homes. Recognizable by its size, ranging from 2.5 to 3.75 inches, with an additional tail length of 2.75 to 4 inches, it features light-brown or dark-gray fur and distinctive beady black eyes.
2. Deer mouse
The deer mouse surpasses the house mouse in size, ranging from five to eight inches in length.
Identified by its predominantly light brown fur with gray patches on the back, the deer mouse also boasts a prominently noticeable white belly, setting it apart from many other mouse species.
3. Norway rat
The Norway rat, thought to originate from Asia, arrived in the U.S. aboard ships in the 1700s and is now a common presence in Kansas City.
Distinguished by their larger size, Norway rats, also known as sewer rats, typically grow to about 7-10 inches in length, displaying predominantly brown fur.
Are rodents dangerous?
Rodents pose a significant threat to both individuals and property. Their destructive habits include chewing through:
- Equipment
- Electrical wires
- Insulation
- Lumber
- Ductwork
- Drywall
- Flooring
This can cause structural damage to commercial and residential buildings.
Additionally, rodents are carriers of serious diseases such as:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
- Hantavirus
- Dysentery
- Salmonellosis
This can pose health risks to customers and employees. Shed fur, excrement and saliva from rodents can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Moreover, rodents contaminate food sources with their urine, excrement, and saliva, risking public health.
The presence of rodents in commercial buildings can harm reputation, leading to customer and revenue loss, and employee turnover.
How to prevent rodents?
The following are a few things that you can do to prevent rodent infestation.
- Dumpster lids ought to be lockable.
- When delivery doors are not in use, keep them closed.
- Remove any trees, branches, bushes, or shrubs that are close to your building’s façade.
- Keep up outdoor dining spaces.
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
- Ensure that any harm done to the roof or roofline of your building is fixed.
- Seal the external walls and foundation cracks and fissures of your structure.
- Fix any leaking outside fixtures, pipes, or blocked gutters.
In conclusion, rodent infestations pose serious threats to both property and public health. Seeking professional assistance from Olathe Pest Control is crucial for effective eradication.
Common rodents in Kansas City, such as house mice, deer mice, and Norway rats, bring potential structural damage and disease transmission.
Preventive measures include securing dumpsters, maintaining cleanliness, sealing entry points, and addressing outdoor landscaping to minimize risks and safeguard against infestation.
