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Pesky Rodents

HOUSE MOUSE
 
Description
Grayish–brown upper body, lighter underneath
5–7¾ inches long
Weighs less than 1 ounce
 
Habitat
Buildings
Cultivated fields
Areas near man
 
Characteristics
Nibbler
Inquisitive
Good climber
Stays close to nest
Nests made of string, shredded paper, and straw
Grooms frequently
Chews through walls, floors, baseboards, and even electrical cord, which can start fires
 
Reproductive Cycle
Averages 7–10 litters of 4–16 young per litter annually
 
Food Preferences
Seeds
Cereals
Grains
Sweets
 
NORWAY RAT
 
Description
Brownish gray upper body, grayish underneath
Up to 18 inches in length
Tail is shorter than head and body combined
Small eyes and hairy ears
Weighs 7–17 oz.
 
Habitat
Human dwellings
Warehouses
Farms
Cultivated Fields
Sewers
 
Characteristics
Agile climber
Excellent swimmer
Uses sensitive whiskers to navigate
Feeds at night
Daytime feeding indicates large population
Powerful front teeth grow continuously so rats maintain them by gnawing through wood, electrical cables, pipes, and other objects
Nests in burrows
Suspicious and wary
 
Reproductive Cycle
Averages 5–12 litters of 7–11 young annually
 
Food Preferences
Cereals
Meat
Seeds
Chicken eggs
 
ROOF RAT
 
Description
Dark brownish upper body, gray underneath
Averages 15 inches in length
Slender tail is longer than head and body combined
Large, almost hairless ears
Weighs up to 9 oz.
 
Habitat
Upper floors of buildings
Trees
Lush vegetation
Seaports
Ships
Abundant in South and along coastline
 
Characteristics
Extremely agile
Expert climber
Gnaws through wood, lead piping, and electrical cables
Nests in attics and upper floors of buildings, as well as, above ground in trees and tangled vines
 
Reproductive Cycle
Produces several litters of 2–8 young annually
 
Food Preferences
Cereals
Grains
Nuts
Fruit

Prevention

Outdoors

    * Get rid of overgrown vegetation near buildings.
    * Clean up debris and clutter on grounds.
    * Keep dumpsters and other refuse containers covered.
    * Remove discarded pallets and boxes from premises.

Building Exterior and Entryways

    * Weather-strip gaps in doorways leading into building.
    * Repair holes in foundation and floor to keep rodents from burrowing into building.
    * Replace broken and missing windows.
    * Put metal grates over floor drains to prevent entry from the sewers.
    * Whenever possible, keep entryway and dock doors closed.

Kitchen

    * Clean up food crumbs and waste from floors and tables daily.
    * Check storage areas for food spills and keep condiments in sealed containers.
    * Remove garbage daily.

Bedrooms & Studies

    * Keep desks and drawers free of snacks and food crumbs.
    * Store sugar and powdered cream for coffee in closed containers.
    * Dispose of refuse and boxes regularly.
    * Seal ducts and openings where rodents may be entering.

Cellars & Basements

    * Store materials off the floor on pallets or shelves, whenever possible.
    * Watch for rodents coming in with shipped goods.
    * Follow structural repair suggestions for floors, windows, and entryways as outlined earlier.