There are over 2,200 species of rodents, making them the largest order of mammals. Much of their success is based upon their short breeding cycle. In our service area, the Greater Hudson Valley the most common rodents that we see are mice, rats, and squirrel infestations in commercial and residential properties.
As the cold months draw near, many species of wildlife go into hibernation, but not rodents. As a matter of fact, we experience an increase in call volume requesting rodent removal services. As the winter approaches mice, squirrels (flying squirrels and gray squirrels), and rats innately seek protection from the harsh conditions of winter where their basic needs for food, water and a safe place to give birth to their young are met. Rodents in general are communal creatures and the presence of one, typically indicates the presence of many.
Fun Animal Fact
Rats use their tails to regulate their body temperature.
Walt Disney himself was the first voice of Mickey Mouse and continued to be until 1946, spanning almost 20 years.
Female mice are ready to breed once they reach 8 to 12 weeks old and they come into heat every four to five days. Their gestation period lasts between 19-21 days and their uterus is fertile again 12 to 28 hours after giving birth. Mice are made to reproduce! They nurse their young for 21 days and if they become pregnant while nursing their gestation lengthens to 28 days. The average litter is 7-12 pups, quickly making a minor mouse infestation into a major headache for a homeowner or property manager. Rats reach sexual maturity at only 5 weeks of age and are capable of reproducing until they are two years old. They breed throughout the year and their gestation lasts 21 to 23 days. A female rat can have up to five litters per year with 7-14 pups per litter again. Take a minute and multiple that one out! Flying squirrels mate between February and March. Their gestation period is approximately forty days and they give birth to 3 to 6 young per litter. The gray squirrel has two breeding periods per year from December through February and again in May through June, giving birth to 2 to 6 babies after a gestation period of approximately 44 days. To say the least, a rodent problem multiples exponentially over a period of just one season!
Not only can the presence of a rodents in your home make one feel uneasy, a rodent infestation presents health and safety issues. Rodent feces carries a variety of diseases and the animals themselves harbor ticks and fleas, which transmit diseases to humans, but this is not the only concern. Rodents have sharp chisel-like front teeth that continually grow and therefore, they must continually chew to keep them from getting too big. By chewing on wires they strip the plastic coating, which exposes the bare copper wire and creates a very dangerous situation. In addition, their nesting materials may block heating and or duct vents which in turn creates fire risk.
How Do I Know I have a Rodent Problem?
Do you hear scratching and scurrying sounds in your walls and attic? Have you encountered droppings on your counters or in your attic? Have you found damaged and shredded insulation in your home? Do you have stains on your ceilings or smell a strong order of urine soaked insulation? Then you most likely have a rodent infestation and need rodent removal services.
Wildlife Busters believes that the best approach to rodent management is rodent prevention services. We offer exclusion and monthly rodent management plans. We aim to provide rodent control services that address the source of your problem, closing and sealing entry and egress points throughout your home and provide you with an effective monthly maintenance plan to rid your home of a rodent infestation. Let our certified wildlife specialist help your resolve your rodent problem.
If you are experiencing a nuisance wildlife issue, whether you need squirrel removal, raccoon removal, woodchuck removal, skunk removal, bat removal give Wildlife Busters a call toll free at 855-945-1212 and we resolve your wildlife management issue professionally, efficiently and humanely. Please give us a call or check out our website for more information.
Sizzling Hot Deals for December 2012
We are a full service company and are pleased to announce our new monthly rodent service plan for just $269.00 per month, which includes a minimum of four visits per month to set and bait traps and inspect for rodent activity.
Community Wildlife Programs and Upcoming Events
Mohonk Preserve
Talk to the Animals December 27, 2012, 10:00-11:30 a.m., free program, reservations required.
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Holiday Open Days at the Wildlife Education Center, December 26-30 from 12pm-4pm. Meet the Animals at 1pm and 2:30pm, Saturday.
Weinberg Nature Center
Animal Adventures December 22nd 11:00am-12:00pm, Discovery Hike December 22nd 12:15pm-1:00pm Please call in advance for hours of operation 914-722-1289.
And for some Wildlife fun all year round visit
The Bear Mountain Zoo located in the Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Inspirational Quote:
Try to be a turtle. Be at ease in your own shell.
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