In a study conducted by the University of Florida, researchers gathered and studied the direct effects of household pets – such as cats – to the unique pattern-based activities of a rodent called the black rat and the natal multimammate mouse in villages located in Africa.
If a cat was present, the foraging activities of the rodents was basically not any different than that when no cats were present. However, in an instance where a cat and a dog were present, the rodent activity decreased.
In short, cats – alone – will not keep rodents away; however, if more than one predator is present – such as a cat and a dog – there is an increased level of fear among both rats and mice. If you have a rodent issue, you should consider different types of rodent control in an effort to exterminate and prevent rodent infestations in and around your home.
Are Rodents Really Scared of Cats?
Many people mistakenly believe that because rodents are scared of cats that cats will help in ensuring rodents are kept away from certain locations. The truth of the matter is, rodents and cats have a longstanding issue with one another. This is because of the fact that rodents consider cats to be a predator. It all comes down to the sense of smell in a rodent.
Mice use odors – also referred to as “pheromones” – to avoid dangers. These odor-based molecules- such as cat urine – provide an indication to the rodents that they should avoid certain areas due to the presence of a predator. This means that it is not the cat, but the actual smell of the cat, that frightens rodents such as mice and rats.
What about the Chasing Behavior of Cats?
According to research, cat chasing is more about genetics than anything else. Up until the last few years, the household cat and the wildcat of Europe were part of the same species. Now, domestic or household cats are considered to be a part of their own species.
Cats are known to be a predator and engage in the hunting of mammals, birds, and other types of creatures – such as rodents. Being that rodents are located in large populations over a large platform of areas, it is assumed that rodents are considered a primary food source for felines.
If a cat relies on their hunting activities in order to support themselves, rodents are at high risk for being the subject of cat chases.
Will Mice Stay Away if You Have Cats?
It is a known fact that cats are capable of doing a good job at keeping mice away; however, they are not capable of completely eliminating infestations of mice.
Will Mice Leave an Area Where They Smell Cats?
If you have the smell of cats on or around your property, it is quite likely to steer mice away from your home. According to research, it does not even matter if you have indoor cats, the smell of the feline may be enough to veer away mice.
Should I Borrow a Cat to Scare Away Rodents?
Getting a cat to eliminate rodents is a misconception and longstanding myth. In fact, while cats were once considered to be the absolute best level of pest control for rodents, the opposite is now considered to be true. Cats are not the greatest form of pest control for rodents. The following outlines the reasons why:
- Rodents are known for burrowing in walls, basements, attics, and other areas that are inaccessible to cats.
- When rodents go in these areas, they continue to get food, create shelters, and breed – without interference from cats.
- Rodents may become infected with the condition toxoplasmosis by coming in contact with it through the feces of cats. The rodents may then pass this condition on to humans.
- The parasite that the condition makes rodents crave the urine of felines.
- Cats have the ability to attract larger rodents to the home.
- More than 60 million people of various ages carry the toxoplasma-based parasite.
- Observations have concluded that cats do not deter rodents, but they actually attract them.
What is the Secret Behind Rodent Prevention?
When rodents infest a home, it has been established that they are capable of having over 20 different holes that they have chewed in order to move in and out of a structure. Cats are not searching for these entry points and will not access them. The secret to preventing rodent infestations is to locate these entry points and hinder them at these sources so that they are unable to gain entry to the interior of the home.
What are the Health Threats Associated with a Rodent Infestation?
The health threats associated with a rodent infestation include:
- Disease Transmission: Rodents can transmit several diseases to humans and pets through their urine, feces, saliva, and bites.
Some of these diseases include:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Transmitted through inhalation of dried, aerosolized rodent secretions.
It has a high mortality rate of 38%.
- Murine Typhus: Transmitted by rat fleas, causing symptoms like headache, myalgia, and rash.
- Rat-bite Fever: Transmitted through bites, scratches, or ingestion of contaminated food/water, causing fever, chills, muscle pain, and potentially severe complications.
- Leptospirosis: Transmitted through rodent urine, causing symptoms ranging from mild (headache, fever) to severe (kidney damage, liver failure).
- Eosinophilic Meningitis: Caused by the rat lung-worm, leading to symptoms like headache, nuchal rigidity, and nausea.
- Bacterial Infections: Such as Salmonella and Listeriosis, causing gastrointestinal symptoms and potentially severe consequences in immunocompromised individuals.
- Contamination of Food: Rodent feces and urine can contaminate stored food, leading to spoilage and making it inedible.
- Property Damage: Rodents can cause significant damage by gnawing on electrical cables and other materials.
- Infestation of Other Animals: Rodent lice, mites, and fleas can infest other animals and occasionally humans.
Controlling rodent infestations is crucial to minimize these health risks.
What Diseases are Transmitted by Rodent Feces or Urine?
Diseases transmitted by rodent feces or urine include:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Transmitted through inhalation of dried, aerosolized rodent secretions (urine, feces, or saliva).
- Leptospirosis: Transmitted through rodent urine, causing a range of symptoms from mild to severe.
- Bacterial Infections: Such as Salmonella and Listeriosis, which can be transmitted through consumption of food or water contaminated by rodent feces or urine.
These diseases highlight the importance of controlling rodent infestations to prevent contamination and reduce health risks.
What are the Common Signs of a Rodent Infestation?
The common signs of rodent presence include:
- Burrows around concrete slabs, building foundations, under materials stored outdoors, and along fence rows.
- Fecal droppings.
- Tracks.
- Chewed out holes in walls (rat holes tend to be the size of a tennis ball, about 2″ to 3″ in diameter).
- Chewed wires.
- Urine stains.
- Nesting materials.
- Rodents being seen or heard shortly after dark and in the early morning.
These indicators can help you identify if rodents are present in your home.
How to Get Rid of Rodents Around the Home
To get rid of rodents around the home, follow these steps:
Habitat Modification (Clean Up):
- Store all food in containers that are rodent-proof (thick plastic or metal canisters).
- Seal quickly-consumed food in plastic bags or boxes.
- Secure bulk food, baking ingredients, pet food, and bird seed.
- Regularly remove trash and use tightly fitted lids on trash cans.
- Clean up all spilled food and do not leave pet food out.
- Manage compost piles carefully to avoid attracting rodents.
- Eliminate debris around your home to remove hiding places.
- Store all items at least 12 inches off the ground and at leasr 18 inches away from walls and/or fences.
- Keep all of your landscaping trimmed and grass cut.
- Fix any water leaks in/or around your home and property.
Exclusion (Seal Up):
- Seal holes and cracks as small as ¼ inch using heavy-duty materials like steel lath screen or galvanized 19-gauge hardware cloth.
- Install escutcheon plates to seal openings around pipes.
- Use steel wool to temporarily fill holes until permanent solutions can be applied.
- Install door sweeps to eliminate gaps under doors.
- Ensure windows and screens are in good working condition.
- Keep exterior and garage doors closed when not in use.
Population Reduction (Trap Up):
- Identify the type of rodent infestation to use species-specific traps and baits.
- Use snap traps, glue traps, or live traps to catch rodents.
- If using rodenticides, read the label completely and follow all manufacturer’s directions.
- Be aware that poisoned rodents can die in inaccessible areas, causing odor problems.
- Ensure rodent bait and poisoned rodents do not pose risks to children, pets, and other non-target animals.
If you have rodents in or around your home, contact us here at All Pest today to discuss the options that we offer for complete extermination. If you are unsure, we can assist by conducting an inspection. In this inspection, we will be able to determine any and all pests that are in or around your home. Contact us now by calling the following phone number. Feel free to browse through our blog for more information: 765-259-0043
