Did you know that there are around 1,500 living rodent species in the world? Thankfully, the everyday person doesn’t need to worry about learning them all! That is, unless you’re a rodent enthusiast, of course. However, there are a few you should be aware of since they can pose a threat to not only your home, but also your family’s health. Knowing some of the ones most homeowners find can be extremely beneficial since you can then detect these pests before they become a huge nuisance. Here are 5 common rodents that every homeowner should know about.
1. House Mice
This is the most common rodent you’ll find in the US, as they’re practically everywhere in the nation. House mice are usually a dark gray or brown color all over, with large ears. They grow to about 4 inches long.
They are great acrobats and love dark spaces, so there are plenty of spaces in your home they can take up residence in. For instance, they’ll nest in your wall cavities and crawlspaces.
The main problem that house mice cause is damage to your property. They’ll chew through things like the insulation and even wires, which can spark house fires.
In addition, these rodents can carry some diseases such as salmonella. This means that if they get into your food, it can become contaminated with various diseases.
2. Deer Mice
These are very common rodents as they’re found all over the country too. However, they do prefer to live in more rural areas, so if that sounds like your residence, then beware! Even if you live in the city, do note that deer mice might become an unwanted roommate come wintertime when temperatures drop and both shelter and food are scarce.
Deer mice grow up to 8 inches long and have giant ears and eyes, as well as a pointed snout. They have brown-gray fur with a whitish underbelly.
Usually, they’ll nest in tree hollows and log piles outside. Otherwise, they might stay in your barns and sheds.
While these little rodents might look cute, you shouldn’t touch them. They can carry the hantavirus, which can cause various health problems in humans, even death. This can happen just from inhaling dust particles that are contaminated with their excrements or saliva.
Because these mice can be so harmful to your health, make sure you call a pest control company ASAP if you suspect you have an infestation.
3. Squirrel
Squirrels are found all over the US as well, and most people think fondly of them as skittish yet cute critters. They’ve got long bushy tails and big beady eyes, as well as gray or tan fur.
These rodents are very agile, moving from place to place in a flash. If you don’t keep your trees trimmed, then it’s very possible for them to climb and then jump across the branches to get in your house.
Once they get in, they’ll wreak havoc by chewing on various things such as your insulation, wiring, and HVAC systems. They can also transmit some serious diseases to you, such as typhus, plague, and tularemia.
4. Norway Rats
We now shift our attention to larger rodents: rats. The Norway rat is also known as the sewer rat. They grow up to 20 inches long (including the tail) and are colored brown all over.
Like many of the other rodents on this list, they’re found all throughout the US, so most households aren’t safe from this rat! If they get into your home, they can chew up your property. They’ve been known to chew through tough materials like lead pipes!
Also, Norway rats are vectors of numerous diseases. Some include jaundice, plague, trichinosis, rat-bite fever, and cowpox virus, not to mention that they can also bring fleas and mites in. This can cause both you and your pets additional health issues.
Norway rats are usually active at night since they’re nocturnal. They love to burrow in garbage, so check there first if you suspect you have these rodents in your home.
If you spot one, then there’s most likely a bunch more nearby. These rats are social creatures and they’ll nest together in colonies.
5. Roof Rats
This rodent isn’t as widespread as the others, but they’re still very common. If you live on the coast or in the southern part of the country, then there’s a good chance you might run into roof rats in your house.
The roof rat is a bit smaller than its cousin, the Norway rat. Also, they have much darker fur, usually dark brown or black/gray. They’re also known as ship rats and black rats.
Like their cousin, roof rats like to live in colonies. However, as you might’ve suspected by the name, these rats like to stay up high. You’ll find their nests in high areas like trees or in your attic.
Remember the bubonic plague? This was thanks to the roof rat being a vector.
While you don’t really have to worry about the bubonic plague nowadays, roof rats can still be carriers of several diseases, such as jaundice and typhus.
Keep an Eye Out for These Common Rodents
Now you know all about the common rodents that can appear either inside or outside your home.
While keeping your property clean and tidy can definitely help keep these pests at bay, it doesn’t always work. In that case, you should enlist the help of the best pest control company around.
They’ll be able to thoroughly inspect your home and confirm the presence of any rodents. Not only that, but they’ll also be able to create a custom rodent control plan that’ll keep them away for good!
Keep your home from having a rodent infestation. At the first sign of trouble, get in touch with us. We can provide you with a free inspection!