Rodents

The Norway rat is the largest of rodents. They damage materials, eat and contaminate stored food and carry disease. They are 7 to 9 ¼ inches long with course brown and black fur. Signs of a house mouse infestation include gnaw marks, droppings, burrows, damaged goods, etc. They will eat almost anything, and enjoy meat, cereal and dog food in particular. They nest along embankments, sewers, basements and sometimes in attics. To eradicate and control Norway rats, it is important to understand their behavior in order to effectively set traps.

Roof rat

Roof rats are the smaller species of rats, and like others damage materials, contaminate food and carry disease. They average about 7 inches long with soft brown and black fur. Signs of a roof rat infestation include, gnaw marks, droppings, burrows and damaged goods. Roof rats are nocturnal and live in colonies. They nest in upper areas of buildings and trees. They eat most anything, but prefer seeds, berries and nuts as well as insects. As with other rodents, it is important to know their feeding and nesting patterns, food preferences and travel range to effectively set traps.

House mouse

The house mouse is the most commonly seen rodent. They damage materials, eat and contaminate stored food and carry disease. Adult house mice are about 3 inches in size and dusty gray in color with a white belly. Signs of a rat infestation include gnaw marks, droppings, burrows, damaged goods, etc. They eat many kinds of food, preferring seeds and insects. They typically nest in dark, undisturbed places as mice are nocturnal creatures. Control is based on behavior - to set traps effectively, place them where mice are likely to have been.

White-footed mouse

Similar to deer mice, the white-footed mouse is a structural pest in rural areas and in locations near woods. They carry hantavirus, which makes them a medical concern. These nocturnal creatures build nests in undisturbed areas, such as abandoned burrows. White-footed mice enter homes and garages in the presence of colder weather, nesting in concealed places. Mice exclusion is the best control method, sealing all possible entry ways of your home or property. If you already have a mouse infestation, trapping is an ideal elimination method.

Deer Mouse

Deer mice are structural pests that commonly invade homes in rural areas, or suburban homes that are located near the woods. They are a medical hazard because they are primary carriers of hantavirus. Deer mice are typically about 3 to 4 inches in size and pale gray to reddish brown in color. They are nocturnal, and nest in trees, logs, abandoned nests, storage boxes, furniture, cabinets, corners and attics. They eat insects, seeds, nuts, fruits and other small animals. Deer mice damage food storage areas and furnishings in their efforts to feed and nest. Deer mouse control includes identification, sanitation and removal, as well as setting traps and sealing home entries.