What Longview Homeowners Need To Know About Rodents

October 16, 2023

You will commonly find rodents in and around homes during the colder months of the year. With winter just a few months away, it’s a good time to start learning how to keep these pests at bay. 

This article will help you understand the basic principles of rodent control in Longview, Texas. We’ll go over the types of rodents you are likely to encounter in the Longview area, the risks and threats these rodents often bring with them, and some common mistakes you might be making that could attract rodents to your home. 

Finally, we’ll talk about the best way to deter rodents permanently – by enlisting the help of a Longview pest control. Here at Pest-Pro, our team of pest control experts is ready to help you tackle any rodent infestation.

a rat crawling inside a home

What Types Of Rodents Live In Longview

First, let’s talk about the types of rodents that live in the Longview area. This article will focus on three of the most common – the house mouse, the Norway rat, and the roof rat.

House mice are extremely common throughout the United States. They are typically a dusty gray color with lighter, cream-colored stomachs. Their bodies range from 2 1/2 to 3 3/4 inches long, and their tails are usually as long or longer than their bodies.

Norway rats are brown with scattered black hairs and a gray or white stomach. They have small eyes, ears, heavy bodies, and a blunt snout. Their bodies are between 7 and 9 1/2 inches long, and their tails are shorter than their bodies.

Roof rats are also brown with spots of black, but their fur is soft and smooth rather than bristly. They have gray, white, or black stomachs. Their bodies are 6 to 8 inches long, and their tails are usually an inch longer than this or more. They have large eyes and ears.

Next, let’s talk about the problems a rodent infestation can cause.

The Dangers Rodents Can Pose To The Homes They Infest

Now that you’ve learned a bit about the different types of rodents in the Longview area let’s go over some of the dangers these pests present.

Norway rats are prone to cause large amounts of property damage since they can chew through wood, plastic, and even lead. Roof rats often take refuge in attics and may damage electrical wiring. House mice will eat a large variety of foods. All three rodents spread contamination and disease and often play host to other harmful pests, like ticks, lice, and mites.

Mistakes Longview Homeowners Make To Attract Rodents

Many homeowners don’t realize they can attract rodents to their homes by making simple mistakes. Here are a few things you should avoid doing since they could make your home a target for these pests:

  • Leaving cracks or gaps in the exterior of the house.
  • Not cleaning up food spills quickly.
  • Leaving food out in the open.
  • Letting trees and shrubs grow too close to the house.
  • Not getting rid of excess moisture and water sources.
  • These common mistakes can draw rodents to your property or home, leaving you more open to an infestation. 

To close, we’ll discuss the most effective rodent control tactic – working with a professional Longview home pest control company.

How To Deter Rodents Long-Term In Longview

Professional rodent extermination is the surest way to get rid of these pests for good. At Pest-Pro, we’ve been providing reliable rodent control services to homeowners in Longview for years. We’re known for our focus on customer satisfaction. We’re a family-owned company, and we treat our customers like family.

Contact Pest-Pro today for help with rodents and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Longview.

Tags: longview pest control | rodent dangers | rodent prevention |