FAQ

The Norway rat is common in Las Vegas. It’s easily identifiable due to its large size and aggressive nature. The pest can grow to be nearly 9 inches in length or up to 18 inches including the tail! The Norway rat has coarse dark brown fur that is lighter on the belly.

The roof rat is several inches smaller than the Norway rat and has black, shiny fur. The ears are large and mostly hairless, and they have pointy noses. The tail of the rat is usually longer than its body. The roof rat is also nocturnal and tends to burrow for shelter.

Las Vegas is also home to field mice and house mice. Both rodents are much smaller than the two rats found in the area but can still cause problems for residents. Their smaller size, speed, and climbing abilities make it easy for these mice to find access to homes.

The Most Common Rodents in Las Vegas

• Norway Rat. This rat is very destructive. It is a large at, weighing up to one pound, and is considerably long compared to other rats. These rats are scavengers and are attracted to cluttered areas and love garbage. Although there are not a lot of problems with this type of rat in the Las Vegas area, they still have been seen on occasion. These rats can breed very quickly, so when one is seen, action should be taken to exterminate the rodent.
• Roof Rats. The Roof Rat first appeared in the Las Vegas Valley area around 1990. It is believed that they made it to the area on imported palm trees. These rats are small and have a much longer tail in comparison to a Norway Rat, but are still very destructive. Roof Rats are more prone to eating natural foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, but they have been known to dig through garbage when food is scarce. Roof Rats have been a large problem in the Las Vegas area because they breed rapidly. Each female rat can have eight babies each litter, and can have up to six litters a year.
• Field Mice. These small mice live in the fields or on farms where they can easily access vegetation to eat. Field mice, however, are omnivores and will eat meat or anything else they determine is safe to eat. Field mice are known to burrow into the ground to get to a food source. Field mice have litters of babies that can easily exceed 14 each time. Stopping the population is necessary because offspring can start reproducing within 8 weeks of birth.

Rats and rodents can carry diseases and parasites that are harmful to humans. You and your family could be at risk of catching these diseases through exposure to rodent feces and urine. They can also bring in bacteria and germs by walking over counters and other surfaces after foraging in unsanitary conditions.

HEALTH CONCERNS FROM A RODENT INFESTATION

Having rats in your home can be very dangerous. Not only can they cause extensive damage to the home itself, they create health hazards. Rats and mice leave urine and droppings everywhere they scurry. These contaminates have been associated with:

• Plague
• Typhus
• Salmonella
• Rat Bite Fever
• Leptospirosis
• Allergies from fur
• Asthma
• Flea infestations
• Other bacterial infections

Rats are remarkably adaptable vermin and notoriously hard to catch. They are small creatures that can slip in and out of small holes, crevices, and cracks in your home that you may have never even noticed. They’re also quick, alert, and always on the move.

Generally, laying traps isn’t enough to completely rid your property of mice or rats. It’s essential to get to the root of the problem―find how they accessed your home or business and where they are nesting. If you fail to do that, you are just treating the symptoms and not the cause of the infestation. Also, mice will quickly learn to avoid mouse traps altogether if you aren’t strategic with where you place them.

As pest specialists, we know what signs to look for when inspecting your property for a rat or rodent infestation. But to the untrained eye, it could be harder to know what type of pest you’re dealing with. Here are some signs to look for if you think you may have a mouse or rat problem:

• Holes in the walls or entryways
• Rodent feces or urine in corners, under sinks, or other hidden areas
• Rustling noises in the walls or ceiling
• Chewing or gnawing marks on food containers

Of course, if you see a mouse or rat in your home or business, you can be sure there are others nearby. Working with rat and mice pest control experts in Las Vegas will ensure you find the source of the problem, eliminate the issue quickly and safely, and prevent future rodent or rat infestations.

Since scorpions like to hide away from the sun, homes and businesses are ideal places for them to find hiding places both indoors and outdoors. Here are the most common hiding places where you might find scorpions in your home or business:

• Garden and landscaping plants: Scorpions also prefer areas that provide some moisture, especially in the extreme desert heat of Las Vegas. Because plants need to be watered regularly, there’s usually an accumulation of moisture where they grow – typically a yard or garden. Before doing yard work or mowing the lawn, look carefully for any movement that could potentially be a scorpion. Always wear close-toed shoes and gloves when working and be cautious in darker, damper areas.
• Near swimming pools: Scorpions are also naturally drawn to water, so pools and outdoor drains are a favorite spot for these little pests to gather. Keep your pools chemically treated and well-lit at all times to deter scorpions from getting too close. Check the pool water and surrounding areas carefully before jumping in and shake out damp towels, articles of clothing before using.
• Garages or basements: The most easily accessible parts of your home or business include the garage and basement because entry points are not always sealed and walls may lack insulation. If you suspect your neighborhood may have scorpions, it’s a good practice to keep the garage or basement well-lit and always wear shoes while in these areas. You can also use a black light to regularly scan for scorpions as they glow in the dark using this method.
• Underneath sinks: The areas underneath sinks or vanities both in the kitchen and in bathrooms are ideal hiding places for scorpions in Las Vegas. These enclosed spaces are dark, damp, and hidden from the rest of the room, so it’s one of the first places they’ll go if they’re able to get into the house. The best thing you can do to prevent this is to keep the area under your sink clean and organized and check it regularly using a black light.
• Showers and bathtubs: Showers and bathtubs offer the same attraction as swimming pools to scorpions with the bonus of being in an air-conditioned house. If scorpions can get inside your home, this is a common area you may find them. Be sure to check the tub and shake out the shower curtain before use.
• Inside shoes: If you have shoes lying around that you don’t often wear, it can be a very attractive hiding spot for a scorpion. Before reaching for that pair of shoes and slipping them on, try shining a light into the shoes or carefully turning them over. To prevent scorpions from hiding in your shoes, keep them in a sealed bag or shoebox.
• Dark drawers or shelves: Drawers and shelves in a dark and quiet part of a home or business can be perfect shelters for scorpions avoiding the heat of the day. Scorpions can live for months without any food or water, and so they may stay settled in a dim, discreet area for some time. Try to keep everything organized, clean, and well-lit to prevent scorpions and other bugs from infesting these areas.
• Laundry rooms and closets: Laundry rooms and closets often accumulate clothing piles, creating a perfect den for scorpions to hide in. Always fold your clothes after washing and do your laundry often to avoid having laundry in one area for an extended time. Carefully shake the clothing out before folding and putting them away.