Rodents are mammals of the order Rodentia (mice, rats & moles)
and love to gnaw over anything they find interesting.
Let’s learn more about these small yet problematic mammals.
For effective rodent management, it is important to what type of rodent infestation exists in your home or yard. Rodents can be identified by their physical features and the various signs they leave behind.
Identifying Rats: Rats are small animals with long tails and sharp teeth. They usually have brown, gray, or black fur and can grow up to 15 inches in length. Their ears are big and round, and they have tiny eyes that help them see in the dark as well.
Identifying Mice: Mice are small rodents characterized by their soft fur and long, slender tails. They typically measure about 3 to 4 inches in body length. Mice come in various colours, such as grey, brown, and white. They have large, rounded ears and small, beady eyes that are quite shiny.
Identifying Moles: Moles are small, burrowing mammals measuring about 4 to 7 inches long. They have velvety grey or dark brown fur that helps them move through the soil. Moles have tiny eyes and ears. Their most distinctive feature is their large, paddle-like front paws with sharp claws, perfect for digging tunnels.
What does a Rodent eat?
Rodents eat a variety of foods indoors and outdoors. They can feed on grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, insects, worms, small animals, and food crumbs left on a tabletop or garden.
What do Mice eat?
Mice are omnivorous, consuming seeds, grains, fruits, and small insects.
In Homes: They are attracted to stored grains, cereals, and food crumbs found in kitchens and pantries.
What do Rats eat?
Rats are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide range of foods such as grains, fruits, nuts, and even small animals.
In Homes: They seek out food scraps, pet food, and accessible food stores, gnawing through packaging to access food.
What do Moles eat?
Moles primarily feed on earthworms, insects, grubs, and other small invertebrates found in soil.
In Gardens: They may damage plant roots while tunnelling but do not consume plant matter directly.
Rodents reach sexual maturity quickly, usually within 5 to 6 weeks, and can reproduce multiple times a year, with litters ranging from 3 to 12 offspring. They have relatively short lifespans, often living 1 to 2 years in the wild, though some species, like moles, can live longer.
| Rodent | Sexual Maturity | Litter size | No. of litter per year | Life span |
| Moles | 1 Year | 3-5 pups | 1 | 3-6 years |
| Rats | 5 Weeks | 6-12 pups | Multiple | 1-2 years |
| Mice | 6 Weeks | 5-12 pups | Upto 10 | 2-3 years |
Where are Rodent nests commonly found?
Rodents like mice, rats, and moles are clever at finding cosy spots to make their homes. Inside houses, you might spot them in quiet places like walls, ceilings, or behind cabinets where they can easily find food crumbs.
They also like snug areas in attics, basements, and under furniture. Outdoors and moles dig tunnels under lawns and gardens, creating little mounds of dirt (molehills) where they nest.
These tunnels help them find tasty earthworms and bugs to munch on. Whether inside or outside, rodents look for dark, quiet places near food sources to build their nests and raise their young.
There are various rodents found in the USA, such as rats, mice, moles, squirrels, voles, moles, and chipmunks. Each rodent has its unique characteristics and causes harm in distinct ways.
Regular Cleaning: If you want to keep rodents away from your home, cleanliness is the most crucial tool you can use. Clean and organize your home at regular intervals.
Take care of the yard: Keep your yard clean and ensure that waste is not collected. Keep vegetation growth in check to make sure that there are no hiding spots for rodents.
Routine Inspections: Regularly check for rodent infestations. Contact rodent control companies to manage rodent issues for you.
These methods will help you to get rid of rodents, but if the infestation is large, you should consult a professional rodent control service.
The largest rodent is the beaver (castor canadensis) and the smallest is the western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) in the US.
Moles, voles, and groundhogs are rodents that commonly dig holes in yards. moles create tunnels and molehills, voles make small holes with shallow burrows, and groundhogs dig large burrows with mounds of soil at the entrance.
The best rodent repellents include peppermint oil, ultrasonic devices, and commercial products with natural ingredients like essential oils. peppermint oil's strong scent is particularly disliked by rodents, while ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds to keep them away.
Mice usually live about 1 year in the wild because of predators and harsh conditions. In captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 2 to 3 years.
Signs of a rodent infestation include droppings, gnaw marks on food and structures, nesting materials, and grease marks along walls. you might also hear scratching or squeaking noises, especially at night.
Cleaning up rodent feces can cost between $200 and $600, depending on the infestation's extent and the affected area's size. expert rodent removal services ensure that
To get rid of rodents, seal entry points, remove food and water sources, and use traps or baits. snap traps, live traps, and rodenticides are effective. if you have an intense rodent infestation, contact professional rodent control companies.
To keep mice away, seal entry points, store food in airtight containers, and maintain cleanliness. use peppermint oil or commercial repellents. regularly inspect your home and set traps if necessary.
To keep moles away, reduce their food sources like grubs and insects in your lawn. use mole repellents such as castor oil-based products or set up mole traps. maintaining a healthy lawn can also discourage moles.
Using rat glue traps is not recommended due to their inhumane nature. they immobilize rodents, causing prolonged suffering. Instead, use more humane alternatives like snap traps or live traps for rodent control.
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