Winter is coming and you may already be seeing signs of critters entering your home. One of the most common rodent infestations we see are mice and rats. We’ll discuss the different types of rodents below, but regardless of which type you have, early intervention and elimination are key. Those disease spreading-pests multiply quickly. A female mouse can produce a litter of 6-8 pups in just 25 days! Not only that, but a female baby mouse is capable of reproducing at just 6 weeks.
What are the most common types of rodents?
House Mouse (Mus musculus): This is the most commonly seen mouse. Their features include a pointed snout, large, rounded ears, and a long almost hairless tail. These mice have co-existed with humans for so long that wild populations are significantly less common than the populations near humans. They primarily feed on plant matter but are omnivores.
Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus): Other aliases include brown rat, sewer rat, barn rat, water rat, grey rat, and wharf rat. Adults are typically 16 inches long from nose to tail tip. Their fur is coarse and shaggy, and they are usually brown or grey with white on their abdomen. Their tails are shorter than their bodies and they have small ears and eyes with a blunt nose. Norway rats will eat nearly any type of food but in general, they prefer a balanced diet of cereal grains, meats, fish, nuts, and fruits.
Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus): The deer mouse is found throughout North America. These pests prefer areas with tall grass or brush for cover, particularly in woodlands and grasslands. In winter, deer mice enter domestic spaces in search of food and warmth. They are round and slender, averaging 8cm long in body length. They have a pointed nose and large eyes. The ears are large with a small amount of fur covering them. They typically are brownish red in color with a white underbelly. Their tails are short (5-13cm) and the coloring is dark on top and light on the bottom. They eat a wide variety of plant and animal matter depending on what is available, including insects and other invertebrates, seeds, fruits, flowers, nuts, and other plant products.
How do I get rid of mice and rats?
Schedule a rodent inspection with Romans Pest Management at the first sign of infestation. If the living conditions for rodents are right, they can multiply quickly. We will do a thorough inspection to determine where they are coming in. We will then button up holes and place controls.
Give us a call today for your free inspection and a quote on an affordable treatment plan.