Both rural and suburban areas deal with rodent populations and infestations. People tend to underestimate the number of mice and rats in the areas surrounding their homes, which can lead to lax maintenance behaviors, leading to nesting sites on their properties, requiring services from our rat and mice removal Oakville experts.

If you believe you have a rodent infestation, it pays to know which animal you are dealing with, rats or mice. The easiest and most distinct way to identify the animal living in your home or around your property is by identifying its droppings.

Noticing the Difference Between Droppings

Rats and mice are very similar animals except in size, with rats being larger than mice. The difference extends to the size of the droppings as well. Mice tend to have small, oval-shaped stool that tapers at one end. It is typically the size of a grain of rice.

Rats also have oval-shaped dropping, but it is larger than mice poop and is rounded or blunted at the ends. While mice tend to produce more droppings per day, a rat tends to make more of a mess.

Understanding the Potential Health Risks of Rat and Mouse Droppings

Despite the similarities and differences of droppings, both rat and mouse feces can contain a wide variety of diseases, such as Rickettsia, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. While direct contact with the droppings is dangerous, the stool will also dry out and disintegrate over time, becoming airborne. Because there is still an increased risk of illness from airborne transmission it is always recommended to wear a face mask and gloves.

Safe Cleaning and Removal of Mouse and Rat Feces

It is never advisable to clean up after a wild animal on your own, especially without proper knowledge and training. The key to cleaning up after rodents is to limit the amount of movement and to increase the ventilation in the area. Most professionals will spray down the area with disinfectant, letting it soak in before using damp cloths or paper towels to collect the loose droppings. The professionals will also wear personal protection equipment, like respirators, goggles, and waterproof gloves.

You should never use a broom or vacuum to clean up dropping because that can cause bacteria and viruses to spread through air currents. It is always advisable to use a professional service and avoid the risk to yourself.

Rat and Mouse Proofing Your Home

Securing your property against potential wildlife invaders, like rodents, is not too difficult. You want to start by trimming all trees and shrubs around your home, ensuring that no branches touch the exterior walls. If you have bird feeders or loose lumber in your yard, keep it all away from your house. You should keep pet food indoors and stored in rodent-proof containers, preferably metal or plastic. Finally, search the exterior of your home for any cracks, crevices, or vulnerable entry points. If you find any openings, contact a wildlife control expert before sealing it.

Hiring a Professional for Help

If you have seen rats or other rodents scurry around your property, it is best to contact a humane wildlife control service. These professionals understand how to safely encourage the migration of animals out and away from your home, and they know how to clean up any remaining issues. Because of the health risks associated with rodent droppings, it is not recommended that you clean up on your own.

Do you believe you have a rodent problem at your house? Have you seen evidence like droppings inside or outside your home? If so, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Removal and schedule a property assessment. The company will send mice removal Oakville technicians out to your property to inspect and prepare a plan.