Use this rodent poop chart to match droppings by size, shape and location. Compare mouse, rat, squirrel, chipmunk and bat droppings plus common look-alikes.
Do mice carry rabies? Almost never. The CDC says small rodents are rarely infected, and Virginia had zero rabid mice in 2024. See what to do after a mouse bite.
Are mice in walls dangerous? Yes. They chew wiring, ruin insulation, spread germs and allergens, and leave odors. Here are the 5 real risks and what to do next.
40 states plus DC have reported hantavirus. See the state-by-state CDC case counts, the 10 states with zero cases, and what it means for Virginia and Maryland.
Rat poop is dark, capsule shaped and 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, about the size of a raisin. See photos, rat vs. mouse poop, fresh vs. old, and how to clean it up.
Can mice climb walls? Yes. House mice run up brick, wood, concrete and siding, plus pipes and wires. Smooth walls and metal bands stop them. Here's what to do.
How high can mice jump? A house mouse jumps about 12 inches straight up, and some sources say up to 18. See how far they leap, fall and climb in your home.
The chances of getting sick from mouse droppings are low for most homes. See the real odds for hantavirus, LCMV and salmonella, who is at risk, and symptoms.
Maryland has four rat species, but only two get into houses. See how to tell them apart, where rats are worst in the state, and what keeps them out for good.
Mouse droppings are 1/8-1/4 inch, dark, and pointed at both ends. Learn how to identify them, what they mean, and how to clean them up the right way at home.
Rats in Virginia come down to five species, and only two get into houses. See how to tell them apart, where each one lives, and what keeps them out for good.
Roof rat vs Norway rat: Learn to identify which invaded your Virginia home. Better Termite and Pest Control's expert guide to rat behavior and removal.
What smells do rats hate, which rat repellents hold up outside, and what a licensed DC-area tech has watched work and fail on real Alexandria homes.
Male vs female rats differ in size, behavior & nesting habits. Learn how to tell them apart and prevent infestations in your home.
Different types of rats invade homes differently. Learn to identify Norway rats, roof rats & more with our expert species identification guide.
Rat lifespan directly impacts pest control strategy. Discover the biology behind effective rat elimination and why timing matters for your home.
A 4-step rodent control plan for mice and rats: inspect, bait or trap, seal entry points, monitor. What works in Northern Virginia homes, and what doesn't.
