Types Of Rodents Commonly Found In Texas

While there is a whole host of different kinds of rodents found here in the great state of Texas, today we are going to focus on some of the most common types, and the types that most often can become a problem in our yards, or worse, inside our homes. No one wants to find out that rodents have taken up residence. These animals are harmful in more ways than one and can be very difficult to completely get rid of once they have established themselves and begun to multiply. The four types of rodents we are going to look at in this article are squirrels, mice, Norway rats, and roof rats.

Mice

These tiny creatures have dark beady eyes, large ears, and long tails. The common house mouse can grow to a length of 7 inches, which includes measuring the tail. They have grayish brown to dark gray or black fur and, like squirrels, their bellies are generally lighter in color than the rest of them. Mice multiply quickly and are not only able to carry the same parasites as squirrels but can be vectors for diseases such as Lyme disease (via ticks) Salmonella, rat-bite fever, hantavirus, typhus, and more. They also never stop chewing on things and leave their urine and feces everywhere they roam. It is never a good idea to let a mouse infestation go unchecked in your home.

Squirrels

Several species of squirrel call Texas home, including gray squirrels and fox squirrels. These squirrels range in color from red or brown to a whitish-gray in color and their undersides are usually lighter than the rest of their bodies. Squirrels can be a joy to behold with their antics and fun but, if they get into attics, they can become a hazard. Not only can they be carriers of lice, mites, ticks, and fleas, they will chew holes in your roof area, destroy insulation, leave their urine and feces everywhere, and even chew on electrical wires in your wall voids.

Norway Rats

These creatures are stocky and have bulging eyes, blunt noses, small ears and bicolored tails. They measure around 9 inches in length when full grown, but their tails add another 6-8 inches. The fur on these rats is brown, peppered with black hairs and, like the other rodents, is white or gray on the underside. These animals are excellent at swimming, but not so good at climbing. Like mice, they have the capacity to transmit a host of illnesses and diseases, and they cause damages by their incessant chewing.

Roof Rats

Roof rats are different from their Norway counterparts because they are smaller and leaner and are very good at climbing. These rats are dark brown to black in color with, you guessed it, a lighter underbelly. Their eyes are large, their ears are large and their noses are pointed. These creatures can grow up to 8 inches in length but their tails add an additional 6-8 inches. Roof rats also spread illness and disease and can cause damage by chewing. Like any constantly chewing rodent that gets into a home or business, there is a chance that they will chew on electrical wiring and spark a fire.

How To Keep Rodents Out Of Your Texas Home

There are a number of preventative measures you can take to try to keep rodents, and other household pests, out of your home. Decluttering your yard, keeping your lawn neatly trimmed, and cutting bushes and branches back away from your outside walls and foundation will help keep rodents off your property and away from your home. You may also want to remove any food sources that tend to draw pests in, fix water leaks outside your home, and seal up any gaps or cracks in your outer walls. But if you are serious about keeping rodents out, or if you are dealing with a current infestation, you may want to consider reaching out to the experts here at Modern Pest Control.

At Modern Pest Control, we offer Trapping & Exclusion Services for rodents. This service starts with a thorough inspection by a trained and licensed pest control technician, who will identify your pest problem and evaluate entry points. All animals found will be dealt with in the most humane manner available, such as the use of traps. And, your Modern Pest Control Technician will seal up your home to prevent future infestations. This service comes with a guarantee. If holes are reopened within one year, we will come back and seal them up again at no extra charge. Life is simply better without rodents infesting your home. Reach out to Modern Pest Control today!