Rodent Identification Guide
Pest Facts: Deer Mice
Description
The deer mouse rarely invades homes and is found in rural areas.
Pest Facts:
Color: Brown, with white feet and underbelly
Legs: Four
Shape: Round
Size: 5 to 8 inches long
Antennae: No
Flying: No
Region: All 50 States
Habits: The deer mouse prefers the outdoors.
Habitat: The deer mouse makes its home outdoors in sheltered areas such as hollow tree logs or piles of debris. On the rare occasions the deer mouse comes indoors, it prefers undisturbed areas such as attics.
Threats: The deer mouse transmits the potentially fatal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The disease can be transmitted through contact with mouse carcasses, or by breathing in aerosolized urine droplets of infected deer mice.
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. Use heavy gloves and protective breathing gear when working in an area populated by deer mice.
Pest Facts: House Mice
Description
The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Pest Facts:
Color: Light brown to black
Legs: Four
Shape: Round
Size: 2 inches
Antennae: No
Flying: No
Region: All 50 States
Habits: House mice can breed throughout the year and can share nests.
Habitat: House mice live in structures, but they can live outdoors.
Threats: Microdroplets 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.
Pest Facts: Norway Rats
Description
These rats have smaller eyes and ears and shorter tails.
Pest Facts:
Color: Gray, brown or black
Legs: Four
Shape: Long
Size: 10 to 12 inches (8″ body plus 4″ tail)
Antennae: No
Flying: No
Region: All 50 States
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, farmlands, 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 1/4 inch. Remove moisture and harborage sources.
Pest Facts: Roof Rats
Description
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.
Pest Facts:
Color: Black
Legs: Four
Shape: Long
Size: 16 inches total (6-8″ body plus 6-8″ tail)
Antennae: No
Flying: No
Region: TX, LA, AR, MS, AL, GA, FA, NC, SC, VA, MD, CA, WA, OR
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 urinate 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.