Rodents

What are rodents?

Having rodents living in or around your home is unpleasant at best, and dangerous at worst. Rodents are part of the order Rodentia which means “to gnaw” and is what these furry creatures are known for. All rodents, no matter the species, have incisors that continuously grow and constantly need to be filed down to remain manageable.

There are about 1,500 rodent species worldwide, most of which are found living outside and away from people. However, many of those rodent species have discovered the benefits of living in close quarters with people near our homes and businesses. Being prolific breeders means once these pests set their sights on a property, they can quickly take it over. Some of the most common species of rodents that we deal with regularly include house mice, field mice, voles, and Norway rats:

field mouse eating seeds

Field Mice

Field mice, also called deer mice, are stout rodents with brown or tan fur and white bellies, legs, and feet; their short furred tails are bi-colored, dark on top, and light underneath. Adult field mice grow between 5 and 8 inches long.

house mouse in pantry

House Mice

House mice have oval-shaped bodies covered in dusty gray, brown, or black colored fur and have lighter cream-colored bellies. They have large ears, long skinny tails covered in a light layer of velvety fur, and grow to 2 1/2 - 3 3/4 inches in length.

norway rat in a pipe

Norway Rats

Norway rats have a dense body covered in brown fur with black hairs scattered throughout. Their belly is lighter in color than the rest of their body. Norway rats have a blunt nose, small ears, and black eyes that protrude from the head.

vole in a yard

Voles

Voles have a small, stocky body with short legs and a short tail. Fur covers their ears, keeping them hidden from view, and their body is covered in chestnut-brown or black fur. Blunt snouts and chisel-shaped front teeth help to identify voles.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous pests; they pose health risks to people, damage property, and cause various other problems. In homes and other structures, rodents chew through and damage various structures and other items including wires, pipes, drywall, walls, wood trim, flooring, furniture, clothing, appliances, etc.

Other issues rodents present after deciding to nest or forage for food within our home’s walls include:

Spreading salmonella, E. coli, rate-bite fever, hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, leptospirosis, and many other disease-causing pathogens.
Contaminating food and surfaces with their waste and saliva.
Introducing fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasites into your yard and home.
Causing short circuits, fires, water damage, and mold issues.
Invading and damaging cars, lawnmowers, and other equipment stored in sheds and garages.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

You have a rodent problem because mice, rats, voles, or another rodent has discovered that your yard, home, or garage provides them easy access to their basic needs. Rodents are prey for many animals; to conceal their presence, they prefer to live in areas that shelter them. Yards with the following features are very attractive to rodents:

Lots of landscaping
Overgrown shrubs and bushes
Tallgrass
Gardens
Yard debris-leaf piles, woodpiles, and construction materials
Sheds, garages, and other outdoor storage areas

Rodents can become a problem at any time of the year; they do not hibernate! When the weather cools in the late fall and food sources become scarce, they move inside, seeking warmth. In contrast, if it is too hot and dry during the summer, they will also move inside, seeking cooler temperatures and water sources.

Where will I find rodents?

Where you'll find rodents depends on which rodent species you're dealing with. House mice and Norway rats live in a variety of habits, including urban areas. In comparison, voles and field mice tend to be most problematic around properties near large open areas like fields, parks, and wooded areas.

The dense body of a Norway rat prevents them from being a good climber, and so they are typically found living at ground level. Inside, they are usually found in basements and behind wall voids. Outside, they burrow next to buildings, under foundations, garbage piles, and woodpiles. They store food in these burrows and use them for shelter.

Voles spend a lot of time in underground tunnels, though they also forage for food above the ground. Voles are herbivores and use their sharp front teeth to feed on grass, plants, bulbs, and roots.

How do I get rid of rodents?

At White Knight Pest Control, we provide the fast action and services necessary to eliminate rodents and other pests from your indoor and outdoor spaces. Our annual service plans utilize eco-friendly pest control products and top-of-the-line services to ensure we meet our customer’s pest control needs. Learn more about keeping your property free of rodents with the assistance of White Knight Pest Control. Reach out today and speak with one of our friendly professionals!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

At White Knight Pest Control, we'll help you prevent problems with rodents using our regular treatments. In conjunction with our comprehensive rodent control services, the following prevention tips will help you keep rodents out of your Texas, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, or Oklahoma home!

Eliminate hiding spots: Plant shrubs, bushes, and other landscaping at least two feet from your home. Remove clutter from your yard. Keep storage areas in your home free of clutter. Keep shed and garage doors closed whenever possible. Store items in your home in plastic containers with locking lids, not cardboard boxes.
Eliminate entry points: Seal cracks in the foundation or exterior walls of your home. Place door sweeps on exterior doors and replace worn weather stripping. Use steel wool to seal spaces around wires and pipes leading into your house. Place covers over vents and drains. Repair damaged trim around doors. Stack firewood up off the ground and away from your home.
Eliminate food sources: Keep lids on trash cans and compost bins. Store pet food in metal containers with lids and pick up uneaten pet food every evening. Remove bird feeders from your yard. Don’t feed wild animals. Inside, take out the trash and wash dirty dishes daily. Store leftover food in containers with airtight lids or the refrigerator. Make sure to pull out large appliances from the wall and clean behind and underneath them regularly. Limit eating to certain areas of your home to help reduce crumbs.