Rodents

Rats and mice are the two most comment pests that humans encounter in their homes.

Rats:

Typically, a creature of the night, rats are usually larger than mice. If you have ever come across a rat, it is because they are searching for food. They are timid creatures and will scurry off if they hear any sudden movement or noise. Nonetheless, some rats are aggressive. So, if you see signs of pest activity close to your home, they should be immediately exterminated.

Color – Gray, Light Brown, Black

Length – 10-12" long (some are larger)

Diet – They eat meat, grain, seeds, and fruit. They are prolific scavengers, and if garbage is left outside, it is an ideal opportunity for rats. They can travel as far away as 300-500 feet from their burrow in search of food.

Habitat – A typical nest can be found beneath piles of wood, and they will dig holes in the ground. They will find their way into a building through a tiny gap, as small as ½". Some, like the roof rat, are likely to be found nesting in the attic. The Norway rat, on the other hand, is found on the ground or basement levels.

Impact – Rats contaminate food and spread disease. They can be aggressive and have a destructive nature where they will gnaw through wood and electrical wiring to try and get inside a building.

Mice:

Another of the common household rodent pests is the ‘house mouse.’ They are small which gives them the ability to move about searching for food undetected. Female mice can produce more than twelve babies every 3-weeks, so you can see how quickly mice can become a problem.

Color – Gray to black or light brown

Length – 2-4" long

Diet – Mice usually eat seeds and plants, but they will meat and dairy if it is available. Mice do not need much water to survive. If there is a lack of food, they may eat their waste droppings in case there are any leftover nutrients.

Habitat – An ideal nesting place for mice is in a safe structure, near a house or sometimes inside it if they can get in. They are social creatures and will often share their nests with over mice.

Impact – Mice are an unwanted pest in any home, for the following reasons. They can contaminate water and food with the fecal matter. Rats can spread disease and cause allergies from their bites.