Rodents - Rat & Mice Exterminators

Rodents are mammals best known for their strong, ever-growing incisors. In fact, the word “rodent” descends from a word meaning “to gnaw”. Here in Washington, the most common pest rodents are Norway rats, deer mice, house mice, and roof rats. Other rodents include squirrels, capybaras, and more. All rodents are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night and rest during the day. 

Rats and mice have similar habits, but they differ in their size and diet. Here are the main differences to know:

• Mice are typically 2-4 inches in length, Some rats can measure up to 9 inches long.
• Rats have larger feet, a thick and hairless tail, and small ears.
• Mice, on the other hand, have larger ears and a long thin tail covered with hairs.
• Mice breed more rapidly and defecate more frequently.
• Rats will eat anything, and generally prefer meat, pet food, fish, and stored cheeses.
• Mice prefer grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. 

Rodents are known for their ability to breed at a rapid rate. Mice can have up to 10 litters containing up to 14 pups in each. Rats reach sexual maturity at just 3 or 4 months, meaning that a population can swell from two rats to around 1,250 in one year, with the potential to grow exponentially.  Mice live up to two and a half years, while rats live for about 2 years.

Rats and mice alike have great athletic abilities. Roof rats in particular are excellent climbers and rats can jump from overhanging trees to access roof lines and attics. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, while rats only need a gap the size of a quarter. Some of the spots through which rodents easily get inside include dryer vents, utility pipes, exterior doors, garage doors, and chimneys.

Rodents are not subtle creatures. It does not take long to hear (or smell) their activity in your home.

Look out for the following signs of rodents in your property:

1. Gnaw marks on door corners and walls, or gnawed fruit in trees
2. Odd noises or scratching sounds at night in the walls
3. Rat droppings are shiny black and up to 3/4″ long. Mice droppings are smaller with pointed ends
4. Burrows outdoors along foundations, walls or trees is a sign of Norway rat activity
5. Foul odors that are otherwise inexplicable may signal rodents

In order to keep rodents out of your home, it’s important to implement rodent exclusion tactics. This includes eliminating access to your home and removing any food or water resources that may be appealing to rodents. Look for and seal gaps and holes around utility cables, outdoor vents, or pipework with steel wool or silicone-based caulk. Outdoors, pick up fallen fruit, clean up around bird feeders or use a “no-waste bird food”, remove leaf litter, and pick up pet waste. Lastly, remove clutter, keep a clean home,  and use tight-fitting lids on trash bins. 

Rodents have been tied to more than 35 types of diseases that they both carry and spread. Some of the most common ones include:

• Hantavirus
• Salmonella
• Lassa fever
• Leptospirosis
• Tularemia
• LCM
• Rat-bite fever
• Plague

If you have a rodent problem, you likely want it gone as soon as possible. First, inspect your property for signs of rodents and then eliminate entry points by rodent-proofing your home. Snap traps, live traps, and glue boards can be an easy and inexpensive way to get rid of rodents. However, these aren’t always reliable. To get rid of a big rodent infestation, it’s best to enlist the help of a rodent control expert in your area.