About Orange County

ALL ABOUT RODENTS (RAT AND MICE PEST CONTROL)

ABOUT RATS

Rats are various medium sized, long-tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. "True rats" are members of the genus Rattus, the most important of which to humans are the black rat, Rattus rattus, and the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus. Many members of other rodent genera and families are also called rats and share many characteristics with true rats. Rats are distinguished from mice by their size; rats generally have bodies longer than 12 cm (5 in).

The best-known rat species are the Black Rat (Rattus rattus) and the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus). The group is generally known as the Old World rats or true rats, and originated in Asia. Rats are bigger than most Old World mice, which are their relatives, but seldom weigh over 500 grams (1 lb) in the wild. The term "rat" is also used in the names of other small mammals which are not true rats. Examples include the North American pack rats, a number of species loosely called kangaroo rats, and others. Rats such as the Bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) are murine rodents related to true rats, but are not members of the genus Rattus. The widely distributed and problematic commensal species of rats are a minority in this diverse genus. Many species of rats are island endemics and some have become endangered due to habitat loss or competition with the Brown, Black or Polynesian rat. In Western countries, many people keep domesticated rats as pets. These are of the species R. norvegicus, which originated in the grasslands of China and spread to Europe and eventually, in 1775, to the New World. Pet rats are Brown Rats descended from those bred for research, and are often called "fancy rats", but are the same species as the common city "sewer" rat. Domesticated rats tend to be both more docile than their wild ancestors and more disease prone, presumably due to inbreeding. The common species are opportunistic survivors and often live with and near humans. The Black Plague is traditionally believed to have been caused by the micro-organism Yersinia pestis, carried by the Tropical Rat Flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) which preyed on R. rattus living in European cities of the day; these rats were victims of the plague themselves. While modern wild rats can carry Leptospirosis and some other "zoonotic" conditions (those which can be transferred across species, to humans, for example), these conditions are in fact rarely found (not true in neotropical countries).[citation needed] Wild rats living in good environments are typically healthy and robust animals. Wild rats living in cities may suffer from poor diets and internal parasites and mites, but do not generally spread disease to humans. The normal lifespan of rats ranges from two to five years, and is typically three years.

As pets
Specially bred rats have been kept as pets at least since the late 19th century. Pet rats are typically of variants of the species Brown rat, but Black rats and Giant pouched rats are also known to be kept. Pet rats behave differently than their wild counterparts depending on how many generations they have been kept as pets. Pet rats do not pose any more of a health risk than pets such as cats and dogs. Tamed rats are generally friendly and can be taught to perform selected behaviors.

As subjects of scientific research
In 1895, Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts (United States) established a population of domestic white brown rats to study the effects of diet and for other physiological studies. Over the years, rats have been used in many experimental studies, which have added to our understanding of genetics, diseases, the effects of drugs, and other topics that have provided a great benefit for the health and wellbeing of humankind. Laboratory rats have also proved valuable in psychological studies of learning and other mental processes (Barnett 2002). A 2007 study found rats to possess metacognition, a mental ability previously only documented in humans and some primates. Domestic rats differ from wild rats in many ways. They are calmer and less likely to bite; they can tolerate greater crowding; they breed earlier and produce more offspring; and their brains, livers, kidneys, adrenal glands, and hearts are smaller (Barnett 2002). Brown rats are often used as model organisms for scientific research. When conducting genetic research rats are much rarer than mice. When it comes to conducting tests related to intelligence, learning, and drug abuse, rats are a popular choice due to their high intelligence, ingenuity, aggressiveness, and adaptability. Their psychology, in many ways, seems to be similar to humans. Entirely new breeds or "lines" of brown rats like the Wistar rat have been bred for use in laboratories. Much of the genome of Rattus norvegicus has been sequenced.

ABOUT MICE

A mouse (plural mice) is a small animal that belongs to one of numerous species of rodents. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse (Mus musculus). It is found in nearly all countries and, as the laboratory mouse, serves as a model organism in biology. It is also a popular pet. The American white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) also sometimes live in houses. These species of mice live commensally with humans. Although mice may live up to two years in the lab, the average mouse in the wild lives only about 5 months, primarily due to heavy predation. Cats, wild dogs, foxes, birds of prey, snakes and even certain kinds of insects have been known to prey heavily upon mice. Nevertheless, due to its remarkable adaptability to almost any environment, and its ability to live commensally with humans, the mouse is regarded to be the third most successful mammalian species living on Earth today, after humans and the rat. Mice can be harmful pests, damaging and eating crops and spreading diseases through their parasites and feces. In western North America, breathing dust that has come in contact with mouse feces has been linked to the deadly hantavirus. The original motivation for the domestication of cats is thought to have been for their predation of mice and their relatives, the rats.

Characteristics
Mice range in size from 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) long (including a long tail). They weigh from 1/4 to 2 ounces (7 to 57 gm). The coat color ranges from white to brown to gray. Most mice have a pointed snout with long whiskers, round ears, and thin tails. Many mice scurry along the ground, but some can hop or jump.

Distribution and Habitat
All species of Mus are native to Eurasia and Africa, where they range from lowlands to mountaintops. The five species in the subgenus Pyromys are found in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and mainland Southeast Asia. Much of their range originally consisted of open grasslands or grassy patches in forests.

Behavior
Mice are timid, social, and territorial. They are usually active in the night time, while others, such as the harvest mouse, are active both day and night. Mice rely on their senses while exploring their environment. One dominant sense is that of olfaction. While exploring their environment, mice actively sniff to acquire information about their surroundings. Sniffing behavior is therefore important in guiding behaviors such as feeding, reproduction, and rearing young. While resting a mouse will sniff between 2-4 times a second, a frequency which increases to levels between 6-15 times a second when the animal is aroused or actively exploring odors.

Reproduction
Breeding onset is at about 50 days of age in both females and males, although females may have their first estrus at 25-40 days. Mice are polyestrous and breed year round; ovulation is spontaneous. The duration of the estrous cycle is 4-5 days and estrus itself lasts about 12 hours, occurring in the evening. Vaginal smears are useful in timed matings to determine the stage of the estrous cycle. Mating is usually nocturnal and may be confirmed by the presence of a copulatory plug in the vagina up to 24 hours post-copulation. The presence of sperm on a vaginal smear is also a reliable indicator of mating. [6] Female mice housed together tend to go into anestrus and do not cycle. If exposed to a male mouse or the pheromones of a male mouse, most of the females will go into estrus in about 72 hours. This synchronization of the estrous cycle is known as the Whitten effect. The exposure of a recently bred mouse to the pheromones of a strange male mouse may prevent implantation (or pseudopregnancy), a phenomenon known as the Bruce effect. The average gestation period is 20 days. A fertile postpartum estrus occurs 14-24 hours following parturition, and simultaneous lactation and gestation prolongs gestation 3-10 days due to delayed implantation. The average litter size is 10-12 during optimum production, but is highly strain dependent. As a general rule, inbred mice tend to have longer gestation periods and smaller litters than outbred and hybrid mice. The young are called pups and weigh 0.5-1.5 grams at birth, are hairless, and have closed eyelids and ears. Cannibalism is uncommon, but females should not be disturbed during parturition and for at least 2 days postpartum. Pups are weaned at 3 weeks of age; weaning weight is 10-12 grams. If the postpartum estrus is not utilized, the female resumes cycling 2-5 days postweaning. Newborn male mice are distinguished from newborn females by noting the greater anogenital distance and larger genial papilla in the male. This is best accomplished by lifting the tails of littermates and comparing perineums.

As Pets
Mice have gained popularity as pets. Many people buy mice as companion pets. They can be playful, loving and will get used to being handled, and run to you. Pet mice should not be left unsupervised outside as they have many natural predators such as birds. Male mice tend to have a stronger odor than the females, making females preferable even though they tend to be more expensive. Well looked after mice can make ideal pets. Some common mouse care products are: * Cage - Usually a hamster or gerbil cage, but special mouse cages are now available. You can also use a small aquarium (5 gallons for up to 3 mice, 10 gallons for 8 or so mice) with a mesh top, so there is no risk of them escaping. But this is not recommended, as the lack of proper ventilation can cause respiratory complications in mice. * Food - Special pelleted and seed-based food is available. Mice can generally eat most rodent food (for rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, etc) * Bedding - Usually made of hardwood pulp, such as aspen, sometimes from shredded, uninked paper or recycled virgin wood pulp. Cedar or pine should not be used because they contain harmful liquids that can damage any rodent's respiratory system. Corn husk bedding should not be used because it promotes Aspergillis fungus, can grow mold once it gets wet and is rough on their feet. There should be at least 2 inches of bedding to allow the mice to dig and burrow. You may also use shredded paper and/or shredded tissues.

Some benefits of having mice as pets are * Minimal shedding and allergens * Entertaining and affectionate * Inexpensive * Clean (contrary to popular belief) * Socially self-sufficient when in a group of other mice * Significantly less likely to bite than other rodent pets * Quite intelligent given their size * Fun * Loving

Disadvantages include: * Small and quite fragile (not as easy to handle as a dog or a cat) * Defecate and urinate frequently * Nocturnal * Frequent eye infections when under stress * Easily subject to disease when without optimal care * Frequent reproduction * Short lifespan * Susceptibility to many diseases

Laboratory mice
Mice are common experimental animals in biology and psychology primarily because they are mammals, and so share a high degree of homology with humans. They are the most commonly used mammalian model organism, more common than rats. The mouse genome has been sequenced, and virtually all mouse genes have human homologs. They can also be manipulated in ways that would be considered unethical to do with humans (note Animal Rights). A knockout mouse is a genetically engineered mouse that has had one or more of its genes made inoperable through a gene knockout. There are other reasons for why mice are used in laboratory research. Mice are small, inexpensive, easily maintained, and can reproduce quickly. Several generations of mice can be observed in a relatively short period of time. Mice are generally very docile if raised from birth and given sufficient human contact. However, certain strains have been known to be quite temperamental. Mice (and rats) have the same organs in the same places, just different proportions. There are hundreds of established inbred, outbred, and transgenic strains. In the United States, mice are not protected by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) (administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), APHIS). However, the Public Health Service Act (PHS) administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) does cover their treatment.

Rats and Mice Facts
Rats and Mice have been responsible for or implicated in the spread of various diseases to people and domestic animals for years. Today however, because of improvements in sanitation, effective drugs, and rodent and insect control programs, the disease threat from rodents is not as significant as it once was. But because of the habits of rodents traveling in sewers, garbage, etc., there are still cases of human and animal diseases being transmitted and there is also the constant potential of disease outbreaks in cities where rats and mice live in close proximity to people. However small the threat may be, it is a potential that always must be kept in mind.

Some of the more common diseases transmitted by rats and mice or parasites that they carry are -

Plague - which is spread from rats to people by the oriental rat flea.

Murine Typhus - caused by a bacterial organism which is transmitted from infected rats to people also by the oriental rat flea.

Rickettsial pox - also caused by a bacterial organism is transmitted by mites from mice to people. Mainly in areas of New York City and several New England Cities.

Salmonellosis (acute food poisoning) - is caused by a bacterium which can thrive in sewers, live stock facilities, septic tanks, cesspools, garbage, and other similar environments. It is spread mainly by fecal droppings by rats and mice.

Rat Bite Fever - is caused by a bacterium which can live in the saliva of both rats and mice. It has flu like symptoms that can last for days and is sometimes fatal.

Leptospirosis, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, trichinosis, typhoid, dysentery as well as others.


10 Signs of Rat and Mice Infestation
Rats and mice almost always leave signs that can lead to their discovery.  The ten signs to look for are:

1. droppings or feces
2. tracks
3. gnawing damage
4. burrows
5. runways
6. grease marks or rub marks
7. urine stains (which can be discovered with a blacklight)
8. live or dead rodents
9. rodent sounds
10. rodent odors (especially mice)


Rat and Mice Common Species in The USA
There are 3 main species of rats and mice that are of significance in the United States. They are the Roof Rat or tree Rat, the Norway Rat or ground rat, and the House Mouse. Of course there are lots of other species such as field mice, field rats, wharf rats, sewer rats, etc.. but the Roof Rats and Norway Rats and the House Mouse are the ones of primary importance.  They are the species of commensal rodents that homeowners and building owners deal with 90% of the time.

The Roof Rat Has A Long Tail, Large Ears and Has A Slender Body.
Roof Rats Are Commonly Found In Trees, Attics, Old Houses,
And Is the #1 Rodent Found In Inner Cities.

Norway Rats Have Small Ears, Short Tail, and Have A Fat Rounded Body.
Norway Rats Are Commonly Found In Fields, Sewers, Living Under Debris, Etc.
They Are The #1 Rat Infesting Barns, Poultry Houses, and Rural Areas.

The House Mouse Generally Lives Inside or Near Homes.
They Are The #1 Mouse Infesting Inner City Homes and Buildings.

How To Kill Rats and Mice
In your personal battle against rodents such as rats and mice, it is important to remember that you are dealing with an animal that is capable of crawling, climbing, and chewing it's way into your home or business.  They can flatten themselves out and squeeze through the smallest of openings, even under closed doors.   If the hole is not big enough, they can easily chew it or gnaw it to a large enough size so that they can get through.  Generally, if a rodent can squeeze it's head through an opening, (most rodents heads are the size of a quarter or smaller), it will eventually get through.   This is why your strategy for rat or mice control always starts on the outside of the structure.

Outdoors - The first thing to do is to make sure that there are no holes that the rodents can get through.  Check all plumbing and electrical entrances, doors, folding garage doors, etc.   Also check behind gutters, around chimney and plumbing stack flashing, and in the case of raised or pier and beam homes, make sure that they cannot get access under the foundation or skirting or through screened vents.  The point is that any hole on the outside of the house can give rats or mice entrance.  If the hole is not big enough, the rats or mice will gnaw it to make it bigger.  Rats must constantly gnaw and sharpen their teeth to keep them filed down.  Rats teeth grow an average of 7 " per year. This is why they constantly gnaw and chew. 

Fly Control Due To Dead Rats and Mice
If rodents have died inside your walls and flies have appeared, then you will need to control them using our fly control products.  Hide Flies and Bottle Flies are very common where dead animals are found.  They are attracted by the foul rotting odors.  They will lay eggs in the decaying rodents carcass with a resulting infestation of flies appearing within days.