Most people don't like rodents, and it's usually for good reason. Rodents can carry diseases, contaminate food, and damage property. When it comes to your home or business, you want to make sure that rodents are not present. 

But how do you know when it's time to call in a professional for rodent extermination? When is extermination better than removal? Extermination may be necessary for a few situations.

The Rodents Have a Disease

If the rodents are carrying diseases, it's important to remove them as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of disease. The most common diseases carried by rodents include hantavirus, plague, salmonella, and tularemia.

Of course, it's hard to tell from afar if rodents are carrying disease. You may need to look for signs, such as unusual rodent behavior, sores or lesions on the rodents, or dead rodents.

If you see any symptoms of rodent disease, it's important to call in a professional as soon as possible. They will be able to test the rodents to see if they are carrying any diseases and take appropriate action.

The Rodents Are Contaminating Food

Another reason to consider extermination is if the rodents are contaminating food. This can happen if they're getting into food storage areas or if they're getting into the actual food itself. Rodents can contaminate food by leaving droppings or urine in it, and this can make people very sick.

The Rodents Are Growing in Number

If the rodents have infested a large area, extermination may be the only way to get rid of them. If the rodents are reproducing quickly, their numbers can increase exponentially and become out of control. In this case, it's best to call in a professional to take care of the problem.

The Rodents Are Damaging Property

Another reason to consider extermination is if the rodents are damaging property. This can happen if they're gnawing on wiring, insulation, or wood. This can be a major fire hazard, and it can also lead to expensive repairs.

Call a Professional Right Away

If you have seen a rodent in your home or business, it's important to take action right away. Rodents reproduce quickly, so if you see one, there are likely many more nearby.

A professional exterminator will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Extermination may not be the first course of action.

Contact a local pest control company, such as Combat Pest Control, to learn more.