RODENTS

We have 2 species of commensal rodents in our service area, the Norway rat, and the house mouse. There are also some mouse species that are not considered commensal.

Norway Rat

The Norway rat commonly called a sewer rat, is believed to be from Asia. Norway rats are now found throughout the world. Norway rats do not see well and are colour blind. Their other senses like hearing, smell and especially touch are keen. Norway rats can climb well and are strong swimmers. They cause a lot of destruction with their burrowing and gnawing. 

Norway rats also carry a number of diseases such as jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis and salmonellosis. They also contaminate food or feed that they may come into contact with.

To control Norway rats it is strongly recommended that you work with a Rural Routes Pest Control technician. Rats are very cautious and quick learners so it is critical to treat correctly. Contact us to get rid of rats quickly.

 

House Mouse

House mice vary in colour from light brown to almost charcoal grey with their underside being a little lighter in colour. They are the most common commensal rodent in Ontario. They breed prolifically, and can have a new litter of young every three weeks if conditions are good. One female house mouse can have 35 young in one year. House mice use urine as a communication method and if populations rise, the odour of mouse urine can be quite noticeable. Their droppings are about 2 to 5 mm in length and are pointed at the ends.

House mice prefer seeds and grains as their main diet but will consume almost any human or animal food. Insects are always on the menu if they are available. House mice are nibblers and move about a lot while feeding, taking a bite here or there. They leave droppings in all areas and leave a scent trail of urine wherever they go. They have a relatively small home range and a quite organized social structure. There is one dominant male in a population and there is a pecking order in the colony.

House mice are known to spread salmonella bacteria with their droppings. This can be a potentially dangerous infection, and can be a major concern in poultry or food production plants as well as homes. They can also carry rat bite fever though it is uncommon.

Contact us to quickly eliminate a house mouse population from your house.

 

Deer Mouse

Deer mice get their name because their fur closely resembles that of a white tailed deer. Their cute appearance is deceptive though because they can carry the deadly hantavirus. This may be potentially our most dangerous rodent due to that. Never handle or clean up after these rodents without proper dust masks and disinfect whenever possible.

Deer mice are the only rodents that are not considered to be commensal, in that they are not dependent on humans to live with. These mice can survive and thrive in the wild and are indigenous to the area. 

The diet of deer mice consists of seeds, nuts berries and insects. When they decide living is easier in our homes and businesses, they will eat almost all human foods. 

Contact Rural Routes Pest Control for quick elimination of these pests.