Common Types of Rodents Invading Homes

Rodents are one of the most common pests and can be found all around the country. Did you know that they make their way into over 21 million homes in the United States each winter? In fact, over one-third of Americans, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), have had a rat infestation in their home. As the weather cools in the fall and winter, several varieties of rodents attack houses in search of food and refuge, while they can still cause problems throughout the year. Rodent sightings were reported by the majority of homeowners polled in the kitchen, as well as in the basement and living room to a lesser extent.

A rat or mouse infestation in a home or business can be hazardous to one's health and property. Salmonella and other pathogens are known to be transferred by a variety of common rodents. They can also set up allergic reactions and asthma episodes. Ticks, fleas, and lice, for example, can contain disease-causing parasites. In addition to these health risks, rodents have been known to chew through drywall and wood, as well as electrical lines, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

To keep both people and property safe, adequate rodent prevention techniques and awareness are required. Rats can squeeze through quarter-inch gaps, whereas mice can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter-inch wide. Females can reproduce swiftly once inside. A single female mouse, for example, can have up to 12 young every three weeks, allowing infestations to spread swiftly.

Deer Mice

Region: Deer mice are found throughout the United States.

Habitat: Deer mice prefer to nest in rural areas in places like old fence posts, tree hollows and log piles. Deer mice are rarely a problem in residential settings, but they can wander indoors during the winter months while searching for shelter and food. They will often take up residence in sheds, barns or cabins during the off season.

Threats: Deer mice are the most common carrier of hantavirus, a group of viruses spread by rodents that can cause kidney, blood or respiratory ailments and can sometimes be fatal in humans. The virus is transmitted primarily by the inhalation of dust particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of infected deer mice.

Prevention Tip: Store pet food or birdseed in secure containers and household areas. Avoid keeping these items in places like garages or storage sheds, where they are more accessible and attractive to deer mice.

Unique Fact: Deer mice have a bicolored tail that is typically half brown and half white.

House Mice

Region: The most commonly encountered rodent species, house mice can be found throughout the United States.

Habitat: House mice typically nest in dark, secluded areas inside of structures. They are excellent climbers and can jump up to a foot in height, allowing them to reach isolated or withdrawn areas.

Threats: House mice can cause significant property damage by chewing through materials like drywall and insulation. Additionally, they have been known to spark electrical fires by gnawing on wires inside homes. House mice can also pose serious health threats, capable of contaminating stored food and spreading diseases such as Salmonella.

Prevention Tip: Preferring dark and sheltered areas, house mice tend to hide amongst household clutter. As such, it’s important to keep storage areas clean and well-organized, making sure to store boxes up off of the floor. Additionally, keeping food in sealed, rodent-proof containers will help ensure you are not attracting any intruders.

Unique Fact: House mice can fit through openings as small as a dime. Furthermore, although they have poor vision and are color blind, they make up for it with other enhanced senses.

Norway Rats

Region: Similar to other species, Norway rats are widespread and can be found throughout the United States.

Habitat: Norway rats are primarily nocturnal and often burrow into piles of garbage or underneath concrete slabs. This species tends to enter homes in the fall when outdoor food sources become scarce, typically nesting in basements, crawlspaces and other undisturbed dwellings once inside.

Threats: Norway rats can cause serious property damage by gnawing through various materials, including plastic and lead pipes. They are also vectors of disease, including the plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever and cowpox virus. Additionally, this species can bring fleas and mites inside the home.

Prevention Tip: Keep a close eye out for signs of an infestation such as droppings, gnaw marks, damaged food goods and grease rub marks. An infestation can rapidly grow, so detecting and dealing with potential intruders promptly is essential.

Unique Fact: Norway rats can fit through holes as small as a ½ inch, or the size of a quarter.

Roof Rats

Region: Thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, roof rats can now be found throughout the U.S. coastal states and southern third of the country.

Habitat: Roof rats typically live in colonies and prefer to nest in the upper areas of structures or trees.

Threats: Historically, roof rats and the fleas they carry have been associated with the bubonic plague. Although cases are rare, roof rats can also spread diseases like typhus, jaundice and trichinosis.

Prevention Tip: If you have any fruit trees on your property, promptly clean up any fruit that has fallen as this can attract roof rats. Also, ensure that garbage is stored in tightly closed receptacles.

Unique Fact: Roof rats are also known as the “black rat” or “ship rat,” due to their dark color and excellent swimming ability.

The Eliminator is here to help you learn more and be proactive in the fight against rodents.

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