Hearing scuttling noises in your ceiling or finding gnawed wires in the garage often signals an unwelcome visitor. Rodents are a year-round nuisance for homeowners and businesses in Monmouth County, NJ, but they become especially aggressive when temperatures drop. Understanding which pests might be invading your space is the first step toward reclaiming your home.
The Usual Suspects: Mice and Rats
You will most likely encounter two specific types of rodents in our coastal region: the house mouse and the Norway rat.
The house mouse might look small and harmless, but don’t let its size fool you. These agile climbers can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Once inside, they breed rapidly. A single female can produce up to a dozen babies every three weeks. They prefer nesting in dark, secluded areas like attics, basements, and inside wall voids, often within 10 to 30 feet of their food source.
Conversely, the Norway rat poses a larger, more destructive threat. These stocky rodents are poor climbers but excellent swimmers and burrowers. They typically enter structures through foundations or damaged sewage lines. Unlike the curious mouse, Norway rats are cautious and suspicious of new objects in their environment, making them difficult to trap without professional help.
Common Rodent Concerns
Beyond the “creep factor,” these pests bring tangible dangers to your doorstep. Rodents constantly gnaw to keep their incisors sharp. This habit puts your property at risk of structural damage, ruined insulation, and even electrical fires from chewed wiring.
Furthermore, rodents act as vectors for disease. They contaminate food preparation surfaces and pantries with urine and feces, spreading pathogens like Salmonella and Hantavirus. Even their parasites—fleas and ticks—can jump hosts to your family pets.
Protect Your Property Today
Ignoring a potential infestation rarely makes it go away; in fact, it usually allows the population to explode. If you suspect mice or rats have compromised your home, you need a swift, professional response.
At Allison Pest Control, we understand local rodent behavior and how to stop it. Don’t let pests take over your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your free pest inspection and keep your Monmouth County home rodent-free.
