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Rodents are a diverse group of small mammals known for their constantly growing incisors, which they use for gnawing. Some species of common rodents become pests, while others play essential roles in the ecosystem.
Common rodent species in the U.S.
There are many different types of rodents in the U.S. This list of rodents highlights some of the most common species. Knowing their traits and habits helps identify the species and choose effective pest control methods.
Mice
Mice are one of the most common rodents found in homes and businesses. House mice and deer mice (which resemble the white-footed mouse, without the soft fur) are the two primary species that cause issues. These small mammals are known for their ability to squeeze through tiny gaps and reproduce quickly. Their nesting habits often lead to contaminated food and chewed wiring. Mice can also spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella.
Rats
Rats are larger than mice and can be even more destructive – a key difference between mice and rats. The most common types of rats in North America are the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats prefer to burrow, while roof rats are excellent climbers and often nest in attics. Both species are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They can spread diseases and cause structural damage.
Squirrels
There are several species of squirrel in North America, including the gray squirrel, ground squirrel, and flying squirrel. While they might seem harmless, some species, like the gray squirrel can invade attics and chew through electrical wires. This can create fire hazards.
Chipmunks
Chipmunks are small mammals with distinctive stripes that typically live in wooded areas. While they are not as destructive as mice or rats, they can dig burrows around foundations and damage concrete patios and gardens. Their herbivorous diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts, and fruits.
Beavers
Famous for their dam-building, beavers are among the largest rodent species in North America. While they are not commonly seen as household pests, their dam-building activities can lead to flooding and changes in local water flow.
Voles
Often mistaken for mice, voles are small, burrowing rodents that damage lawns and backyards by feeding on plant roots and bulbs. Their tunneling can change landscapes, and their nighttime activity makes them hard to spot.
Muskrats
Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents that live in wetlands, rivers, and ponds. They burrow along water banks, which can cause erosion and structural damage to embankments. Muskrats may burrow into irrigation ditches or artificial ponds, meaning you may encounter them even if you don’t live in a wetland area.
Porcupines
Porcupines are large, slow-moving rodents covered in sharp quills. While they usually stay in forests, they can cause damage by gnawing on wooden structures and trees. Porcupines are herbivores, and they have a diet of bark and vegetation.
Groundhogs
Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are burrowing rodents. They can damage backyard gardens and weaken foundations with their large tunnel systems. Targeted exclusion methods or limiting their harborage usually controls them.
Rodents by habitat
One of the interesting facts about rodents is that they adapt to many environments. They can make themselves at home in environments as diverse as bustling cities, quiet rural areas, and wetlands. This list of rodents by habitat helps identify which species are more likely to appear in certain surroundings. Knowing their preferred environments helps identify species and implement effective control methods.
Urban rodents
Urban environments provide plenty of food and shelter for common rodents like mice, rats, and squirrels. These rodents thrive in cities, often residing in man-made structures such as homes, businesses, and sewers. Their nesting habits make them challenging to control.
Rural rodents
Rodents in rural areas include groundhogs, voles, and chipmunks. These species often create significant challenges for farmers and homeowners by damaging crops, chewing through roots, and burrowing beneath structures. Their tunnels can weaken soil stability, leading to potential issues with erosion or compromised foundations.
Water-dwelling rodents
Muskrats and beavers are common in wetland areas. They are important for their ecosystems, but their burrowing and dam-building can cause erosion and disrupt water flow. If you don’t live near wetland areas, these rodents are unlikely to become a pest, though they can inhabit manmade water features.
Rodents by size
Rodents vary significantly in size, from tiny mice to large beavers. Their size often determines their behavior, diet, and nesting habits.
Small rodents
Mice, voles, and chipmunks fall into this category. These different types of rodent species are quick, reproduce rapidly, and can be challenging to control if they infest homes or businesses. Mice typically measure between 2.5 to four inches in length, not including their tails, while voles range from four to seven inches. Chipmunks are slightly larger, averaging between five to six inches in body length. Their small size allows them to squeeze through tiny openings, making exclusion and prevention key in rodent control efforts.
Medium-sized rodents
Squirrels, muskrats, and groundhogs are considered medium-sized rodents. Squirrels typically range from nine to 12 inches in body length, with tails adding an additional seven to 10 inches. Muskrats measure around 16 to 25 inches in total length, including their tails, while groundhogs grow between 16 and 27 inches long. Their damage often includes chewing, burrowing, or disrupting property structures. This can lead to weakened foundations, electrical hazards, and landscape destruction.
Large rodents
Beavers and porcupines are among the largest types of rodent species in North America. Beavers can grow up to three feet in body length, with tails adding another 10 to 14 inches, while porcupines typically range from 25 to 36 inches long. While they generally remain in their natural environments, they can cause issues by damaging trees, infrastructure, or wooden structures.
What animals are considered rodents?
Rodents belong to the order Rodentia. This group includes mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, and many more. Some animals, such as rabbits and shrews, are often confused with rodents. However, they belong to different groups. If you're wondering what animals are rodents, their distinct dental structure, and nesting habits give them away.
Common rodents that cause problems
Rodents can be more than just a nuisance; they pose serious health and property risks. Mice and rats are among the most problematic common rodents. They can cause food contamination, property damage, and disease transmission. Squirrels and chipmunks can chew through wiring, leading to fire hazards. Groundhogs and voles dig burrows that weaken foundations and make a mess of backyards. Effective control methods depend on species identification and understanding their nesting habits.
Need help with rodent control?
Rodent infestations can quickly escalate, leading to property damage and health concerns. Ehrlich Pest Control provides expert rodent control methods for different types of rodent species. This includes exclusion techniques, humane trapping, and customized treatment plans.
If you’re dealing with a rodent problem, contact Ehrlich for a professional inspection and tailored solutions to keep your home or business rodent-free.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common rodents?
Wondering what animals are rodents? The most common rodents in the U.S. include mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and voles. These species are frequently found in homes, businesses, and outdoor environments, often causing damage or spreading diseases.
What can be mistaken for a rat?
Several animals can be mistaken for a rat, including muskrats, voles, and young opossums. These animals share similar body shapes or behaviors but differ in size, habitat, and nesting habits.
How many types of rodent are there?
There are over 2,000 species of rodents worldwide, classified into various families and genera. They vary greatly in size, habitat, and behavior, ranging from tiny field mice to large beavers. The diversity of rodent species makes them one of the most adaptable groups of mammals.