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With 2,277 species, rodents - part of the order Rodentia, with many belonging to the family Muridae - account for 41% of the known mammals. They are a very diverse group in both size and habitat. All species of rodents have large incisors (a type of tooth) that continuously grow, which requires them to chew and gnaw on things to control the growth.
Finding rodents, like mice and rats, on your property is not ideal. With Ehrlich, your technician will conduct a thorough property inspection to find any rodent hiding spaces and decide on a treatment plan to eliminate them. Understanding essential rodent information, such as their habits and behaviors, is key to deciding on the perfect rodent control method.
Rodent identification
- Size: 1” - 15”
- Color: Range from light to dark brown, gray, or black
- Body: Strong, robust bodies with shorter limbs and long tails
Rodent species of concern
Rats and mice are some of the most common rodents that cause problems in both commercial and residential properties. Below are the five rodent species that are considered major pests in the eastern United States.
Black rat
Black rats (Rattus rattus) are often referred to as roof rats and are talented climbers. They are found in many coastal areas in the southeastern United States.
Brown rat
Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), or sewer rats, live on the ground or in burrows. They can climb and are found almost everywhere humans inhabit.
House mouse
House mice (Mus musculus) are very common throughout the United States and prefer to live in and around human structures.
Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are commonly known as field mice. They can survive in many different habitats and they only come out at night to find food.
White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are mainly found in heavily wooded areas. Indoors, you may find them in attics, chimneys, and basements.
Want to learn more facts about rats?
Take a detailed look at the different types of mice, rats, and other wildlife we service. Explore essential wildlife, mouse, and rat information to better understand their behaviors and risks
Why rodent infestations are a problem
Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they pose serious health and safety risks. Rodents can chew through electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires. Their constant gnawing can also damage insulation, drywall, and even furniture.
They can also contaminate food sources and surfaces with droppings, saliva, and urine and carry parasites like fleas. Together, these can spread harmful bacteria and diseases—such as salmonellosis, typhus, the bubonic form of plague, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. A rodent infestation can quickly grow out of control due to its rapid breeding cycle, making prompt action essential.
To combat these pests effectively, people often rely on rodenticides, which are chemical products designed to kill or deter rodents. However, proper handling and safety measures are crucial to prevent unintended harm to humans, pets, and the environment.
Rodent control
Seeing rodents in your home? Find out how we control rodents.
How to identify a rodent infestation
Whether it’s black mice or rats, one of the first signs of a rodent infestation is finding droppings in cupboards, under sinks, or along walls. Other rodent identifiers include gnawed packaging, shredded nesting materials, grease marks along baseboards, and scratching noises in walls or ceilings at night. A strong, musky odor may also indicate an active infestation. Armed with this new rodent information, if you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent the problem from worsening.
Common rodent entry points
Rodents can squeeze through incredibly small gaps, making it easy for them to enter homes. Common entry points include gaps around doors and windows, cracks in the foundation, vents, chimneys, and gaps around utility lines. Mice can fit through holes as small as a dime, making mouse control especially difficult. Rats need only a quarter-sized opening. Regularly inspecting and sealing these entry points is key to keeping rodents out.
What you need to know about rodents
Understanding their life cycle, nesting habits, diet, and the health risks they pose can help in preventing infestations. Below, we break down key details about rats and mice that you should know.
Lifecycle
Though the average lifespan for a rodent is one to three years, rodents are notorious breeders. It only takes about a few weeks for a female mouse or rat to produce a litter. Mice can produce anywhere from five to 12 mouse pups per litter and have five to 10 litters per year. Rats can produce up to six litters with five to 12 rat pups. Once born, a female mouse can restart the lifecycle at six weeks and a female rat can reproduce at five weeks.
Nests
A rodent's nest will vary depending on the species. Some rats, like the black rat, prefer to climb and nest up high or in a tree, while the brown rat typically prefers to nest on the ground in burrows. Some rodents will nest indoors, while others will build their nests outside. House mice will nest just about anywhere.
No matter the location, a rodent's nest will be filled with various shredded materials, such as paper or cardboard, and will be covered in their droppings and hair.
Feeding
Rodents eat a variety of foods. Rats will eat anything from carcasses and meats to fruits to anything in a garbage bin. Mice are omnivores, so a mouse will eat just about anything you leave out in your home, including meats, cereals, rice, fruit, seeds, etc.
Diseases
Rodents can spread a lot of diseases and pose many health risks to humans. Some diseases mice and rats can spread are:
Frequently asked questions
What is the lifespan of a rodent?
The lifespan of a rodent varies by species. Most mice live between one and two years, while rats can live up to three years. However, in the wild, their lifespan is often shorter due to predators and environmental factors.
How do you get rid of rodents?
The best way to get rid of rodents is exclusion. Exclusion involves sealing any openings, cracks, or crevices in your home’s foundation or on the roof that mice and rats may use to gain entry into your home. You should also keep vegetation trimmed away from your home to eliminate one of their methods of coming indoors. DIY rodent trapping can help control a rodent infestation, but it’s unlikely to fix the problem at source. Leave that to the experts
How do you know if you have a mouse nest?
Mice build their nests in lofts, suspended ceilings, wall voids, under floorboards, near kitchen appliances, and in cabinets. If you have a mouse nest, you may find a lot of shredded materials, like paper, insulation, or cardboard, as they’ll use these items to line their nests. Also, you may find a lot of mouse droppings.
What attracts mice to your house?
Plain and simple: food and shelter. Mice don’t need too much to survive and can go a few days without water. They come indoors in search of something to eat and somewhere to keep them warm.
What should you do if you find a rat's nest?
Rats can breed really fast, so finding one rat can soon turn into an infestation if it is not removed. If you find a rat’s nest, assume that there may be more and contact the specialists, Ehrlich Pest Control, for help.
Do rats bite people?
Rats have incredibly large teeth for gnawing on things, but they will typically only use their teeth to bite humans if they feel threatened. A rat bite will usually bleed and can leave one or multiple wounds. If you are bitten by a rat, contact your doctor immediately as infected rats can transmit many diseases.
What are the top five largest rodents?
When it comes to pests, rodents can be surprisingly large. The five largest rodent species include the capybara, beaver, porcupine, nutria, and Patagonian mara. A fact about rodents you might not know is that the capybara can grow up to 150 pounds.
Preventing rodent infestations
Preventing a rodent infestation starts with eliminating access to food, water, and shelter. Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and take out the trash regularly. Seal cracks and gaps around your home, including those around doors, windows, and utility lines. Reduce outdoor hiding spots by keeping vegetation trimmed and removing debris. Regular inspections by a professional can ensure that your home remains protected against rodent infestations.
Ehrlich gets rid of rodents
Ehrlich Pest Control has been helping property owners get rid of rodents for a long time now. Ehrlich Pest Control specialists can conduct a thorough property inspection to find the rodent hiding spaces and get rid of rodents through a variety of treatment methods. The first step to a property protected from rodents is to contact your local Ehrlich Pest Control office and set up a property inspection. Call us today!
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