1Rodent Types and Characteristics
House mouse (Mus musculus): 7-10 cm, gray-brown, lives in homes. Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus): 20-25 cm, brown, found in basements and sewers. Roof rat (Rattus rattus): 16-20 cm, black, prefers high places.
2Rodent Damage
Health: Carries more than 35 diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonella, and plague. Property: Can cause fires by cutting electrical cables, water damage by puncturing pipes. Creates billions of dollars in economic loss annually.
3Rodent Signs and Detection
Droppings (rice grain size), gnaw marks, footprints, grease marks (along walls), nests (shredded paper, fabric), sounds (nighttime chirping, scratching). Early detection is key to successful control.
4Integrated Rodent Management
1. Sanitation (cleaning, food security), 2. Exclusion (sealing entry points), 3. Mechanical control (traps, glue boards), 4. Chemical control (rodenticides). All four steps must be implemented together.
5Safe Rodenticide Use
Rodenticides should be applied by professionals. Anticoagulant poisons like bromadiolone and difenacoum are common. Used in locked stations for child and pet safety. Bait consumption should be monitored regularly.
Uzman Tavsiyeleri
- Store food in metal or thick plastic containers
- Seal openings larger than 2.5 cm (mice can pass through 2 cm)
- Organize wood and garbage piles in the yard
- Don't leave dog and cat food out
- Get professional rodent control 2-4 times a year
- Keep compost bins at least 10 meters from the house