Rodents

It is best to contact a professional pest control company when dealing with large mice and rat infestations. We have the knowledge and experience to eliminate them and keep you pest free.

Aw, Rats

Rats are communal creatures that are carriers of many diseases; such as leptospirosis, plague, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis.  (info on these diseases click here)

There are two species of rats found in the Pacific Northwest, Norway rats and roof rats, and they are different enough in their habits that it can be important to know which is which.

Norway rats, sometimes called brown or sewer rats, are large stocky burrowing rodents. Their burrows are found along building foundations, beneath woodpiles, and in moist areas in and around gardens and fields. When Norway rats invade buildings, they usually remain in the basement or ground floor. 

Roof rats, also called black rats, are smaller and sleeker than Norway rats and have much longer tails. Roof rats are agile climbers and usually live and nest above ground in shrubs, trees, and dense vegetation. In buildings, they are most often found above ground level in attics, walls, false ceilings, and cabinets. The roof rat prefers milder climates.

These rats are drawn to any sort of outside food sources such as pet food, chicken food, bird seed and kitchen scraps in compost piles. Even compost without kitchen scraps provides insects that rats consume, unless the pile is kept hot enough to kill them. If rats get inside the house, they’ll dine on whatever food they find there and look for places to nest and reproduce. They are very opportunistic and have an easy time adapting to living in the presence of humans. Rat droppings can be differentiated from mice droppings in that they are rectangular, larger in size (approx. 1/2″ to 3/4″), and are in groupings.

Mice aren’t Nice

Mice are communal creatures that breed prodigiously. Deer mice are the main carriers of a virus that causes hantavirus  in people. Hantavirus is a rare, but potentially fatal respiratory disease. 

There are two species of mice that are a troublesome pest to residents of the Pacific Northwest, the Deer Mouse and more prominently the House Mouse.
The only differentiating attribute of the Deer Mouse and House Mouse is their belly. Deer Mice have white bellies and House Mice have bellies that are brown.
These mice are approximately 3″ long, are brown in color, have large ears and tails that are as long as their bodies. Although mice have adapted to habitat among humans, they are very fearful of them and are adept at hiding.
Mice can be identified through chew markings and their droppings which are 1/4″ long and are pointed on the ends. Mice defecate as they move in search of food and water, so they can be found in multiple areas that are usually behind such things as refrigerators, stoves, and other concealed areas.

Rat vs mice droppings

Don’t Attract Rodents

The best way to prevent a rodent infestation is to remove their sources of food, water, and shelter.

• Store pet and people food, bird and lawn/garden seed, and animal feed indoors in containers with tight fitting lids.
• Clean up food waste and use thick plastic or metal garbage cans with tight lids.
• Keep the area around your home and outbuildings clear of junk and debris.
• Trim vegetation and don’t allow plants to grow up alongside your house.
• Clean up fallen fruits or nuts from trees and animal waste.
• Routinely mix compost piles to encourage rapid decomposition.
• Store firewood, lumber, or hay at least 12 inches off the ground and away from your home.

Seal Up Your Home

Seal all gaps and holes into your home or outbuildings. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch. Fill small holes with steel wool and caulk. Use lath screen or metal, cement, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting to fix large holes. These materials are available at hardware stores. The following areas should be inspected for gaps:

• Inside, under, and behind cabinets and appliances.
• Around doors, windows, and the foundation.
• Attic, crawl space, dryer, and floor vents.
• Around pipes and holes for electrical, plumbing, cable, and gas lines.
• Crawl space entry points.
• Around the fireplace.
• Between the inside floor and wall juncture.
• Among roof rafters, gables, and eaves.

Norway Rat

Roof Rat

House Mouse

Deer Mouse