The Different Types of Rodents Commonly Found in Homes and How to Identify Them
Rodents are some of the most common pests found in homes around the world. They can cause a variety of damages, create health risks and spread diseases. Unfortunately, not all rodent infestations are the same; different species have their own set of behaviors and characteristics, which is why it’s essential to know how to identify them. In this blog post, we will cover the various types of rodents commonly found in homes and tips on how to accurately identify them. With this knowledge, you will be able to better detect and tackle any infestation before it spreads too far. Keep reading for more information!
Types of Rodents
There are many different types of rodents that can be found in homes. The most common include:
Mice – Mice are small, brown or grey rodents with long tails. They are typically about 3-4 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh about 1/2 ounce. Mice are good climbers and can fit through very small spaces.
Rats – Rats are larger than mice, typically about 10-12 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh about 1 pound. They can be brown, black, or grey in coloration and have a shorter, thicker tail than mice. Rats are also good climbers and can fit through small spaces.
Squirrels – Squirrels are medium-sized rodents with bushy tails. They range in size from about 6-8 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh between 1/2 to 1 pound. Squirrels are good jumpers and climbers and often build their nests in trees or attics.
Gerbils – Gerbils are small rodents that resemble mice with longer tails. They range in size from about 3-5 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh between 1/4 to 1/2 ounce. Gerbils typically have sandy brown fur with white patches on their bellies and backs.
Hamsters – Hamsters are small rodents that resemble gerbils but have shorter tails. They range in size from about 2-4 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh between 1/4 to 1/2 ounce. They typically have thick fur and are available in a variety of colors.
How To Identify Rodents
It’s important to be able to accurately identify the type of rodent infesting your home. This is key for determining the best way to control them and prevent future infestations. The easiest way to identify rodents is by their physical characteristics, such as size, color, and tail length. You can also look for signs of gnawing or droppings around your home, which will help you determine what kind of rodent is present. Lastly, there are certain sounds that each species makes that can help you narrow down the type of rodent. For example, mice squeak while rats make a high-pitched squeaking sound. If you’re still unsure about the species, contact a pest control professional for assistance in identifying the rodent and formulating a plan to get rid of them.
Mice
There are many types of rodents that can infest homes, but the most common ones are mice. Mice are small, Brown or grey animals with long tails. They have sharp incisors that they use to gnaw on things. Mice are attracted to food and will often steal food from pantries or cupboards. They can also contaminate food with their urine and droppings.
Mice reproduce quickly and can have litters of up to 12 young. They can squeeze through very small spaces, which makes them hard to keep out of homes. If you suspect you have a mouse problem, look for telltale signs like small droppings, gnawed holes in food packaging, or damage to wires or furniture. If you see one mouse, there is likely to be more so it’s important to take action right away to get rid of them before they cause more damage or spread diseases.
Rats
Rats are one of the most common rodents found in homes. There are two main types of rats that invade homes: the Norway rat and the roof rat.
Norway rats are also called brown rats, house rats, or sewer rats. They are large rodents, measuring about 16 inches from nose to tail. They are brown to black in color with a light gray belly. Norway rats have small eyes and ears, and their tails are shorter than their bodies.
Roof rats got their name because they’re excellent climbers and often live in attics or high up in trees. They’re also called black rats or ship rats. Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats, measuring about 13 inches from nose to tail. They are black or dark brown in color with a light gray belly. Roof rats have large eyes and ears, and their tails are longer than their bodies.
You can identify a rat infestation by the following signs:
-Droppings: Rats leave behind small, dark droppings that look like pellets. You’ll find them near where the rats travel or where they nest.
-Gnaw marks: Rats need to gnaw on hard surfaces to keep their teeth sharp. You might see gnaw marks on furniture, walls, pipes, wires, or food containers.
-Footprints and tail drags: Look for footprints or drag marks along walls or floors to identify high-traffic areas where rats travel.
-Noises: Rats are active at night, so you might hear them squeaking, scratching, or running around your home.
-Unpleasant odors: Rats have a musty smell that will get stronger as the infestation grows.
Squirrels
Squirrels are one of the most common types of rodents found in homes. They are small, have a bushy tail, and are usually brown or gray in color. Squirrels typically live in trees, but they can also be found in attics and other parts of homes.
Squirrels are known for their love of nuts and seeds, which they often store in their cheeks. They also eat fruits and vegetables, as well as insects and other small animals. While they can be a nuisance if they get into your garbage or raid your bird feeder, squirrels are generally harmless creatures.
You can identify a squirrel infestation by the following signs:
-Chewing: Squirrels like to chew on things, so you might find gnaw marks on furniture, walls, pipes, wires or food containers.
-Droppings: Look for small droppings that look like black grains of rice around your home
-Nests: Squirrels like to nest in attics or roofs, so you might see bits of leaves, twigs or other debris near the entrance to their nest.
-Noises: You might hear scratching or scurrying noises inside your walls if you have a squirrel infestation.
What Attracts Them?
There are a few things that rodents find attractive in a home. First, they are looking for a food source. This can be anything from pet food to crumbs on the floor. They are also attracted to water sources, so if you have leaks or standing water in your home, that may be another reason why rodents are taking up residence. Finally, rodents need a place to nest and build their homes. This means they are looking for small, dark spaces where they can feel safe and hidden from predators.
How to identify rodents in your home
If you think you have rodents in your home, it is important to be able to identify them so that you can take the appropriate steps to get rid of them. There are three main types of rodents that are commonly found in homes: mice, rats, and squirrels.
Mice are small rodents with pointy noses and long tails. They are brown or grey in color and typically only grow to be about five inches long. Mice are known for their good sense of smell and their ability to climb. If you see small droppings around your home or gnawed holes in food packaging, chances are you have mice.
Rats are similar to mice in size and appearance, but they have shorter tails and larger bodies. Rats are also more likely to be black or brown in color. Like mice, rats are good climbers and often leave behind small droppings. If you seerat droppings that are about a half inch in size or larger, it is likely that you have rats.
Squirrels are the largest type of rodent that is commonly found in homes. They have furry tails that can be up to a foot long and their bodies can grow to be about two feet long. Squirrels typically have brown fur, but their undersides can be white or cream-colored. If you see a rodent running around your home with a long tail that is bushy at the end, chances are it is a squirrel.
If you think you have any of these rodents in your home, you should contact a pest control professional for help in getting rid of them.
What to do if you find a rodent in your home
If you find a rodent in your home, the first thing you should do is try to identify what type of rodent it is. There are three main types of rodents that are commonly found in homes: mice, rats, and squirrels. Each type of rodent has its own unique characteristics that can help you identify it.
Mice are small rodents with pointed noses and long tails. They are usually gray or brown in color. Mice typically live in walls and other small spaces in homes.
Rats are larger than mice and have blunt noses. They can be black, brown, or gray in color. Rats typically live in attics and basements.
Squirrels are the largest type of rodent that is commonly found in homes. They have bushy tails and furry bodies. Squirrels typically live in trees or attics.
Once you have identified the type of rodent that is in your home, you can take steps to get rid of it. If you have a mouse problem, for example, you can set up mouse traps or use poison bait to kill the mice. If you have a rat problem, you can use snap traps or rat poison to kill the rats. If you have a squirrel problem, you may need to call a professional to remove the squirrels from your home.
Prevention tips to keep rodents out of your home
There are a few things you can do to prevent rodents from entering your home in the first place. Here are some tips:
1. Seal up any cracks or holes on the outside of your home, especially around doors and windows.
2. Keep food and garbage stored in tightly sealed containers.
3. Remove any sources of water that might attract rodents, such as leaky pipes or standing water.
4. Trim back trees and shrubs that might provide rodents with a way into your home.
5. Set up traps or bait stations around your home, particularly in areas where you’ve seen rodent activity.
Rodents can be a nuisance in any home, but it is important to properly identify what type of rodent you are dealing with first. While some may require professional assistance, many rodents can be eliminated with simple household remedies. By following the tips outlined above and being aware of the different types of rodents commonly found in homes, you can take proactive steps to ensure that your home remains rodent-free.