Rodents
Rodentia (Order)
Rodents like mice and rats are among the most problematic household pests. They contaminate food, spread disease, gnaw through wiring and structures, and reproduce rapidly, making professional control essential.
Rodent Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Rodents are warm-blooded mammals with large front teeth (incisors) that continuously grow, requiring them to gnaw constantly. Mice are small, typically 2-4 inches long with large ears and thin tails. Rats are significantly larger, reaching 7-10 inches in body length, with thicker tails and smaller ears relative to their body size.
Common Species
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House Mice - Small, gray-brown rodents with large ears and pointed snouts. The most common indoor rodent pest.
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Norway Rats - Large, brown rats that burrow near foundations and enter through basements. Also called sewer rats.
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Roof Rats - Slender, dark-colored rats that are excellent climbers and often enter through attics and upper floors.
Rodent Behavior and Biology
Rodents are nocturnal and prefer to travel along walls and edges. They’re neophobic (fear of new things), which can make trapping challenging. Mice are curious and quick to investigate new objects, while rats are more cautious. Both species can reproduce year-round indoors and will gnaw through almost anything including wood, plastic, and even concrete.
How We Treat for Rodents
We use an integrated approach that combines removal with prevention:
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Initial Treatment - A thorough inspection identifies entry points, nesting areas, and travel routes. We set up strategic trap placements and monitor activity. Bait stations may be used outdoors for heavy infestations.
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Exclusion - We seal entry points with rodent-proof materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, and commercial sealants. This is the most critical step, as without it, new rodents will simply replace those removed.
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Ongoing Monitoring - Regular follow-up visits check traps, assess activity, and ensure exclusion work remains intact. Our maintenance plans provide year-round protection against reinfestation.
Types of Rodents
Click on any species below to learn more about identification, behavior, and control methods.
Mice
Mus musculus
House mice are small rodents that commonly invade homes seeking food, water, and shelter. Known for their rapid reproduction and ability to squeeze through tiny gaps, mice can quickly become a serious infestation.
View identification guide
Rats
Rattus norvegicus
Rats are common household pests that can cause significant structural damage and spread disease. The Norway rat is the most prevalent species in the United States, known for burrowing near foundations and invading basements.
View identification guideCommon Questions about Rodents
How do I know if I have mice or rats?
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Common signs include droppings (rice-shaped for mice, larger for rats), gnaw marks on food packaging or structures, scratching sounds in walls at night, grease marks along baseboards, and nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric.
Are rodents dangerous?
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Yes, rodents pose serious health risks. They spread diseases like Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis through their droppings, urine, and saliva. They also gnaw on electrical wiring, creating fire hazards, and can cause significant structural damage.
How do mice get in my house?
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Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime. Common entry points include gaps around pipes, utility lines, doors, windows, and foundation cracks. They also enter through garage doors, vents, and roof lines.
Will one mouse turn into an infestation?
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Likely yes. Mice rarely travel alone and can reproduce rapidly, with females having 5-10 litters per year of 5-6 pups each. By the time you see one mouse, there are usually more hiding nearby.
Do ultrasonic repellers work on rodents?
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Studies show ultrasonic devices are largely ineffective. Rodents may initially avoid the sound but quickly become accustomed to it. Professional exclusion and trapping are far more reliable methods.
How long does rodent control take?
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Initial trapping typically reduces activity within 1-2 weeks. Complete elimination and exclusion may take 2-4 weeks depending on the severity. Ongoing monitoring ensures they don't return.
Explore Other Pest Categories
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With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years.
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