Updated: Dec 26, 2022

Did you know that nearly one-third of the American have rodent problems in their homes? Generally, common types of rodents invading homes are seeking three main things: water, food and shelter mostly in fall and winter months as the climate gets cool. Consequently, regular rodent control is a must in the homes especially in winter months, though rodents still cause problems throughout the rest of the year.

Proper rodent control is essential for both people and property. But rodent control is different related to the types of rodents. Here is the question: How to identify which type of the rodent is in your home or yard? Typically, common types of rodents invading homes include Deer mice, House mice, Norway rats and Roof rats.

Deer Mice

Deer mice are round in appearance, varying from 7 to 10 cm long in body length. They stand out with a pointed nose and large, black eyes. Their ears are large with little fur on them. In terms of body color, deer mice’s bodies are bicolored with a light brown-red top and white underbelly and feet. On the other hand, the main identifying point is definitely the tail, which is quite short – 5 to 13 cm in length, distinctly bicolored and covered with shorthairs.

Mainly homes with plenty of vegetation and sites with piles of rocks or firewood attracts deer mice. Due to their small size, these mice can easily move indoors through tiny openings near ground.

Though they may seem harmless, but there are many diseases that may spread through contaminated food. Thus, you should provide a proper rodent control.

House Mice

House Mice are typically gray with lighter bellies. Depending on the mouse’s location the fur color varies from light brown to dark grey. They have a round shaped body. Identifying points include the pointed muzzles, large ears with some hair on it and the hairless tail with the length of 6-9 cm.

House mice are excellent climbers and can jump up to several foot high. It is also worth mentioning that they are colorblind and can not see anything beyond six inches.

Typically, house mice live in structures, though they can live outdoors as well. They prefer to nest in dark and often build nests out of paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall insulation and fabrics. Despite the fact that house mice are nocturnal, you can see them in the house during the day. Please note that house mice tend to curiously investigate the changes in their habitats.And this is why they often change its established runways.

Norway Rats

Today Norway Rats are found throughout the world. In appearance they have brown fur with the lighter, gray to white underbelly. They have small eyes and ears. And the identifying point is its tail – shorter than the length of their head and body together.

Like house mice, they also have poor vision and are colorblind.Besides, other senses including hearing, smelling, touch and taste senses are quite strong. Being not extremely agile, Norway rats are capable of running, climbing, jumping and even swimming.Norway rats carry various diseases that can transfer to humans through rat urine and feces.

Gardens and uncut grass are the main things that attract theNorway rats. Their most common entryways are:

• Gaps under doors
• Poorly fitting crawlspace doors
• Poorly maintained wall and foundation vents

Roof Rats

Roof rats are typically thin and long rodents with large eyes and ears, a pointed nose and a scaly tail. The fur is mainly brown with mixed black spots. The underbelly part is in white, gray and black colors.

You will not always see the roof rats as there are nocturnal like house mice. However, you need to know the sign of rodent infestation. Once you have found them, then its time for your regular rodent control. One of the most obvious signs of infestation is its droppings, which are about 0.5 in long with pointed ends. Other signs include:

• Gnawing or scratching noises in the attic or walls
• Hollowed-out fruit if you have fruit trees
• Gnawing damage to electrical wires in the home
• Pets showing signs of stress and agitation
• Nests found in the insulation of your home