Rodents

Deer Mouse

What are roof rats? Roof rats – also called black rats or ship rats – are smaller than Norway rats, but cause similar issues. This rodent gets its name from its tendency to be found in the upper parts of buildings. The roof rat is thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, but is now found throughout the world, especially in tropical regions.

Roof Rat

The deer mouse is pale grey to reddish brown in color and has a bi-colored tail, white below and dark above. This species has several closely related cousins that are colored similarly. Unlike the house mouse, the deer mouse is not found in cities but is associated more with rural areas and buildings located in or near wooded areas. It does not commonly invade homes, but in some instances one or more deer mice may invade structures seeking food and shelter. The deer mouse is a medically important species because it carries the Hantavirus. This virus can result in a serious, often fatal, respiratory disease in humans.

Norway Rat

The Norway rat has a stocky body measuing 10″-12″ (without the tail). They are much larger that mice, and can weigh as much as one pound. It has a blunt nose and its scaly tail is shorter than the head and body combined. Rats contaminate food and cause extensive damage to buildings and equipment in houses, granaries, restaurants and other areas they inhabit. Rats are able to gnaw through wood, electrical wires, and even unfinished concrete. Rats are excellent climbers and need a hole only as big as a quarter to gain entry into a home. Rats are known to be a source of numerous diseases affecting humans.