Rodents

Roof rats get their name from their tendency to be found in the upper parts of buildings. Ranging in size from 6 to 8 inches in length, not including their tails, they have very poor vision and are color blind. They do have extremely strong senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste.

Color: Black
Legs: 4
Shape: Long
Size: 16” total (6-8” body plus 6-8” tail)

Habits
Roof rats are known for the damage they cause by chewing on materials and eating stored foods.

Habitat
Roof rats can be found in the upper parts of buildings, and can also be found under, in and around structures. They only need a space of one-half inch to get into buildings.

Threats
Roof rats secured their place in history by spreading the highly dangerous bubonic plague. They support many ectoparasites and urine on food.

Prevention
To prevent rats from entering a home, seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter. Remove sources of moisture and harborage.

These rats have smaller eyes and ears and shorter tails.

Color: Gray, brown or black
Legs: 4
Shape: Long
Size: 10 to 12 inches (8” body plus 4” tail)

Habits
Rats are excellent climbers and often enter a home in the fall when outside food sources become scarce.

Habitat
Norway rats live in fields, farm lands and in structures. Rats are often found in woodpiles. Rodents can gain entry to a home through a hole the size of a quarter.

Threats
Rats can chew through wiring, causing fires. They also spread numerous diseases.

Prevention
Keep firewood stored well away from the structure. Remove debris piles. Seal any holes larger than ¼ inch. Remove moisture and harborage sources.

The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions.

Color: Light brown to black
Legs: 4
Shape: Round
Size: 2”

Habits
House mice can breed throughout the year and can share nests.

Habitat
House mice live in structures, but they can live outdoors.

Threats
Micro droplets of mouse urine can cause allergies in children. Mice can also bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home.

Prevention
To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a nickel. Seal any cracks and voids. Don’t overlook proper drainage at the foundation and always install gutters or diverts which will channel water away from the building.