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How to Get Rid of Rodents in Fredericksburg, VA; Roof & Norway Rats, House Mice & More

In general, rodents are very adaptable and harmful. They carry a long list of diseases in addition to the potential diseases any fleas or ticks they may be hosting have as well. Rodents are known to terrorize homes with damage to utility lines, structure, insulation, furnishings, and other property. They are also responsible for contaminating and pilfering food. With their destruction, having rodents infest your home can be difficult and challenging to get rid of. Today, we at CSI Home & Commercial Services would like to share the possible rodents that might be invading your Virginia home.

Roof Rats

From the tip of their nose to the end of their tails, roof rats measure in about 15 inches. When compared to other rats, they have a larger ears and eyes, longer tail, and a pointed nose. Their black or brown fur is smooth, and they are smaller and sleeker than Norway rats. Black rats, ship rats, or house rats are also other names for roof rats. As accomplished climbers, these outdoor rodents stick to high places like in trees with dense leaves and branches for protection. Inside they tend to stick to the attic space, and in the wall voids as well as above ceilings. When they infest homes, roof rats are especially known to gnaw through wires and pipes. It is usually because the food or water is scarce or to escape extreme weather conditions when they come into homes. The rat’s diet includes fruit and nuts; however, they are omnivorous and will eat nearly anything.

Norway Rats

From the end of their tail to the tip of their nose, these rats average 16 inches and weigh over 17 ounces (just over a pound). Norway rats are known as the “big rats”. The length of their bodies is shorter than the tail. Their ears and tail are covered in scales and have shaggy brown or gray fur. To help identify their presence, these rodents have capsule-shaped droppings. They do prefer to live outdoors and nest in underground burrow and when compared to other urban rodents, these rats are bulky though they take advantage of indoor living. The ground level of homes and businesses in addition to sewers and basements are popular nesting areas. To offer more concealment, they will also nest in vegetation, as well as the dense vegetation found around the home, the increase risk if them coming inside is high. These rats include seeds, cockroaches, grains, meats, fruit, and other food wastes in their diet as omnivorous critters, they will eat anything from eating garbage to eating what other edibles. Norway rats do live in communities with dominant and subordinate members though they are not social pests.

Common House Mouse

The short hair varies from light brown, gray, and black and the house mice white or light-colored bellies. A bit sparser, the ears and tail have hair. The tip of the nose to the tail averages about 7 inches long and weight about an ounce. Pointed on both ends, their droppings are rod-shaped. Throughout Virginia, house mice are notorious for invading homes and business. Their nesting habits cause minor damage and only require ¼” crack or hole to gain entry to structures. These mice have shelter from the elements and predators and the rodents prefer living indoors where food and water are readily available. To nest in clutter, unsanitary places, and other such areas house mice will often hide in the wall voids.

White-Footed Mouse

Found in the rural and sub-rural areas of Virginia, the white-footed mouse prefers habitats that include forests and brush lands, specifically, the forests edge where vegetation is low and scrubby. These mice will also construct nests in the walls at ground level of buildings. In addition to the grass, weeds, or other low growing vegetation, these mice can nest. Insects, nuts, seeds, and berries are included in their diet.

Rodent Control

For rodent control in Virginia, call CSI Home & Commercial Services and let our qualified experts do the rest.