Rodents

Norway Rats

Rattus norvegicus

colour: Gray, brown or black
Legs: Four
Shape: Long
Size: 10 to 12 inches (8″ body plus 4″ tail)
Antennae: No
Flight: No

These rats have smaller eyes (poor vision) and ears and shorter tails, and are primarily nocturnal.

Habits
Rats are excellent climbers and often enter a home in the fall when outside food sources become scarce. Norway rats live in fields, farm lands and in structures. Rats are often found in woodpiles and can gain entry to a home through a hole the size of a quarter. Once established, Norway rats tend to follow the same route between harbourage and food/water sources. They can also dig holes on the outside for nesting purposes, usually one main entrance hole and 1 or several “emergency exit” holes for escape purpose.

Threats
Rats can chew through wiring, causing fires and great nuisance for the occupant. They also spread numerous diseases

Prevention
Keep firewood stored well away from the structure. Remove debris piles. Seal any holes larger than 1/4 inch. Remove moisture and harbourage sources, such as storage boxes and loose items that could be used for nesting materials. A pest management professional can set-up a baiting and monitoring program, incorporating habitat modification and exclusion techniques for optimum suppression of problem activity and future prevention.

House Mouse

Mus domestic

colour: Light brown to black
Legs: Four
Shape: Round
Size: 2″
Antennae: No
Flight: No

The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions.

Habits
House mice breed throughout the year and can share nests. House mice live in structures, and also outdoors.

Threats
Micro droplets of mouse urine can cause allergies in children. Mice can also bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home. Signs of infestations can be gnaw marks, droppings, track/footprints, “rub marks,” burrows, runways, damaged goods.

Prevention
To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed. Mice can flatten themselves out and squeeze through spaces as small as a nickel. Seal any cracks and voids. Don’t overlook proper drainage at the foundation and always install gutters or diverts which will channel water away from the building.