Rats/Mice
Rodents are difficult to keep out of structures. For example, mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime, and rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter. For proper rodent pest control, seal any voids and cracks. Ensure adequate drainage at the foundation and always install gutters or diverts that will channel water away from the building.
Some of the most common species of rodents include the following:
Deer Mice
The deer mouse is found in outdoor rural areas. These rodents rarely invade residential homes, but they can be problematic in farming areas, outbuildings, and sheds. Deer mice are of medical concern because they are common carriers of Hantavirus. You can find more information via the link for deer mice.
Characteristics
Size: 5 to 8 inches long
Color: Brown, with white feet and underbelly
Habits: The deer mouse feeds at dusk and dawn, preferring insects, seeds, nuts, berries, and small fruits.
House Mice
The house mouse is the most common rodent encountered throughout the United States. House mice are not only a nuisance, but they can pose significant health and property threats. You can find more information via the link for house mice.
Characteristics
Size: 2 1/2 - 3 3/4" long
Color: Dusty gray with a cream belly
Habits: House mice are social pests. They organize themselves in social hierarchies, with one male dominating lower-ranking males and many females in a given area. Mature male mice are socially compatible with related mice, but they are hostile and aggressive towards outsiders. The size of their territory varies based on the availability of food and water. They are excellent climbers and can jump up to a foot high; however, they are colorblind and cannot see clearly beyond six inches.
Norway Rats
The Norway rat commonly referred to as the street, or sewer rat, is of Asian origin, arriving in the U.S. in the 1700s on ships from other countries. Despite having poor vision and colorblindness, Norway rat's other senses, including hearing, smell, touch, and taste, are keen. Although not highly agile, they run, climb, jump, and swim. Norway rats cause lots of damage to properties through their gnawing. You can find more information via the link for Norway rats.
Characteristics
Size: 7-9 ½ inches long
Color: Brown with scattered black hairs; gray to white underside
Habits: Norway rats are social pests and often build shelters close to one another. Their burrows have at least one entrance hole and a minimum of one emergency exit hidden under grass, debris, and other materials.
When outdoors, Norway rats tend to live in farmlands and fields. They usually burrow in the soil near riverbanks, in garbage, woodpiles, under concrete slabs, and along railroad embankments, streams and riverbanks. Norway rats enter homes in the fall when food and water sources become scarce outside. Once inside a home, Norway rats often nest in basements, piles of debris, or undisturbed materials. Although they prefer settling on lower levels, Norway rats occasionally reside in attics, roofs, and other high points.
Roof Rats
The roof rat is the smaller of the two types of rats. Roof rats are also called black rats or ship rats. The roof rat gets its name because it finds shelter in the upper parts of structures. Once inside, roof rats damage materials by gnawing through them, and they also contaminate food and are hosts of dangerous diseases. You can find more information via the link for roof rats.
Characteristics
Size: 16" total (6-8" body plus 6-8" tail)
Color: Brown with black intermixed; Gray, white or black underside
Habits: Roof rats are nocturnal and thrive in cool weather. They scavenge for food in small groups of up to ten and return to the same food source over and over again, following the same path between their nest and food.
Roof rats prefer to nest in the upper parts of buildings, such as attics and rafters. They can be found under, in, and around structures, in piles of debris and wood. Preferring covered habitats, roof rats are attracted to lush landscapes, dense vegetation, and fruit trees. As a result, properties with heavy shrubbery, woodpiles, and storage boxes are prone to infestations.
Seeking safety from predators and places to nest, they gain entry to garages, sheds, and homes by following pipes or gnawing through materials such as drywall, aluminum siding, and wood.
