Rodent 101: A Guide to the Most Common Species in the USA

Found all over the country, rats rank among the most regularly seen pests. Did you know each winter they find their way inside around 21 million American homes? According to a National Pest Management Association (NPMA) survey, one-third of Americans have dealt with a rodent problem in their home. While they can still create problems all year long and require suitable rodent control, most types of rats enter homes in search of food and cover during the fall and winter when the temperature drops. Most homeowners surveyed reported, to lesser degrees, seeing rodents in the kitchen, cellar, and living room.

Most Common Rodents in the USA

Norway Rats: All over this land

Originally brought to America in 1775, Norway rats dispersed over the colonies, then crossed the nation with pioneers, and currently flourish everywhere in the US, near human areas. With their blunt nose, short, close-set ears, and long tails, Norway rats—which range from 12 to 18 inches—can be identified.

Roof Rats: Around coastal states

Warm tropical climates appeal to roof rats and Old World rodents who helped Rome fall and devastated half of Western Europe during the Great Plague. Often referred to as citrus rats in Florida, roof rats are common in the other southern Atlantic and Gulf coastal states ranging from Virginia to Texas.

Roof rats are found along California’s Pacific coast on the west coast of Washington and Oregon. With sharp snout, big hairless ears, and extremely long tails, roof rats—which grow to 8 inches in length—light gray or brown—can be distinguished.

The House Mouse:

A house mouse is a very common pest in almost every US state. Apart from their teeth, small rodents—ranging from 4.5 to 6 inches—have light gray to dark brown bodies. Their ears define a house mouse most importantly.

House mice have long, black tails, pointy ears, and sharp, flat teeth. With an average lifespan of 18 months, house mice can produce 12 litters of 5 to 6 young, one every three months.

Although house mice run wild in Georgia, practically every section of the nation shows a decent showing. They can wreck your property and possessions any time of year; but, house mice are more likely to find food and cover in colder months.

Rural rodents

From voles in the east to deer mice and wood rats in the west to several varieties of squirrels and chipmunks spread throughout the nation, many more rodents call the United States home. These rodents, however, reside in forested areas and usually do not endanger homes or their contents.

Decoding the Signs of Rodent Infestation

• Rodent droppings: One of the most basic indicators of an infestation is seeing rodent droppings. However, you can find these anywhere in your house or company, frequent places to look around food containers and in hiding places like cabinets and drawers and behind appliances.

• Chewing signs: If you see tooth imprints on food packaging, even though there are no droppings. As they search among rubbish for food, rodents can also tear apart trash bags and cause a great mess.
• Walls and floors with holes: Tiny nibbled holes in the floor or wall are a clear sign of a rat problem.

Conclusion

One may keep their house rodent-free with some effort. This is how you can easily rodent-proof your house. 

• Examine your property to close holes, gaps, and sections of insulation that might provide access. 
• Steer clear of leaving pet food bowls out late in the evening. 
• Clean your kitchen daily to eliminate food waste; filthy dishes attract rodents rather nicely.
• Keep rubbish outside; having trash inside the kitchen will encourage vermin.
• Fasten the garbage container so that rodents cannot enter.