With over 2000 living species placed in about 30 families, rodents are by far the largest order of mammals. Well over 40% of mammalian species belong to the order! Rodents range in size from pygmy mice weighing 5 gms to capybaras, the largest of which weigh over 70 kg. They are found around the world except in Antarctica, New Zealand, and on some oceanic islands. Ecologically, they are incredibly diverse. Some species spend their entire lives above the ground in the canopy of rainforests; others seldom emerge from beneath the ground. Some species are highly aquatic, while others are equally specialized for life in deserts. Many are to some degree omnivorous; others are highly specialized, eating, for example, only a few species of invertebrates or fungi.

Despite their diversity, all rodents share one characteristic: their teeth are highly specialized for gnawing. All rodents have a single pair of upper and a single pair of lower incisors, followed by a gap, followed by one or more molars or premolars. No rodent has canines. Rodent incisors are rootless, growing continuously. During gnawing, as the incisors grind against each other, they wear away the softer dentine, leaving the enamel edge as sharp as the blade of a chisel. This "self sharpening" system is very effective and is one of the keys to the enormous success of rodents.

Regional Pest Management is expert in controlling and eliminating rodents. Please select from the following list for more information. And for all your rodent control needs, call Jeff Hauf at 1-800-36-5-STAR (toll-free) or 410-737-0940.

• Moles - a borrowing animal that damages lawns and gardens.
  
  
• Chipmunks - a tunnelling animal that degrades gardens, walks and lawns.
  
  
• Squirrels - a foraging animal that can cause huge damage if it gets indoors.
  
  
• Rabbits - destroy the plants that maintain soil stability.
  
  
• Mice - consume and contaminate food and destroy walls, furniture and more.
  
  
• Rats - damage food stores and transmit diseases.

Ten Tips for Rodent Control

1. Store garbage in metal or heavy plastic containers with tight lids.
2. Place trash outside shortly before pickup; don't leave plastic garbage bags out overnight.
3. Remove weeds and debris near buildings and in yards; don't give rats a place to hide.
4. Store opened food in metal or glass containers with tight lids.
5. Don't leave extra pet food out; store it in a secure container.
6. Sweep up food remains, litter, and trash inside and outside your home.
7. Inspect your basement and house for cracks and holes; seal them with mortar.
8. Make sure you have screens on windows; inspect windows and screens for holes.
9. Keep outside doors closed; use metal trim to prevent rodents from gnawing and entering underneath.
10. Don't provide hiding places for rodents; store materials such as lumber and boxes on a rack with a clean, open area underneath. Get rid of unused materials and junk.