Rodents

What is Rodent? 

Rodents make up the largest group of mammals with 2,277 species, which account for 41% of the known mammals in the world. They are a very diverse group in both size and habitat, ranging from the South American capybara weighing up to 66kg, to the Baluchistan pygmy jerboa with female adults that weigh less than 4gm.

Types of Rodents

Rodents are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in a wide range of different habitats from snow-covered tundra to hot deserts. Some species of rodent are also the common invaders of the human environment:

• Rats
• Mice
• Voles
• Squirrels
• Marmots
• Hamsters
• Guinea pigs
• Gophers
• Prairie dogs
• Porcupines
• Beavers
• Capybaras (but not rabbits, hares and shrews).

However in the Philippines, the more commonly found rodent that are detrimental to humans are either the Black Rat or Brown Rat. 

Rodents tend to be social animals, living in small to very large colonies. They also have the ability to breed rapidly in favorable conditions, which is why they are such a concern when you have an infestation in your home or businesses.

Characteristics of Rodents

The distinguishing feature of rodents is a pair of continuously growing, incisor teeth in their upper and lower jaw. These teeth grow throughout the life of the rodent so it must continuously wear them down to prevent them becoming too long. 

Rodents are known to be the following, depending on their species: 

• Arboreal 
• Burrowing 
• Semiaquatic

They use a variety of different methods of locomotion including quadrupedal walking, running, climbing, bipedal hopping, swimming and gliding. Some are nocturnal and some are diurnal. 

Rodents tend to be social animals, living in small to very large colonies. They also have the ability to breed rapidly in favourable conditions, which is one of the reasons why they are such a concern when you have an infestation in your home or business. 

The majority of rodents are herbivores, feeding on seeds, nuts, roots, tubers, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit. Some are omnivores, eating meat such as insects opportunistically and a small number are carnivores.

Rodent Damage

One of the main problems with a rodent infestation is the damages they cause. Rodent’s are known for being curious creatures and will often explore new areas in the search of food. 

Rodents cause immense economic losses worldwide by: 

• consuming, damaging and contaminating food in the field, in storage throughout the food chain and in the home. 
• damaging structures, buildings, bridges, sewers, and cabling etc, by gnawing and burrowing. 
• damaging and contaminating goods such as packaging, clothing, and furniture. 

Besides property damages, rodents are also known to spread diseases like leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Don’t take chances with rodents, contact us today at (02) 8333 5888 or 1800 10 3973787 (Toll Free).