Rodents

What Are Rodents?

Rodents are a type of mammal found living throughout the world. Despite coming in a wide range of sizes, colors, and living in different habitats, rodents all have one thing in common - they have front incisors that grow continuously. To keep their teeth from overgrowing, and preventing them from being able to eat, they gnaw on almost everything.

Some of the most common rodents that can be found living in the Greater Dallas area include:

• Norway Rats
  These rats have a dense body, covered in shaggy brown or gray fur, with a lighter underbelly. Norway rats have a blunt nose, small ears, and little black eyes. Their long, scaly tail is hairless and is shorter in length than their head and body.
• Roof Rats
  These rodents have a long, thin body covered in dark brown or black fur with gray hairs sprinkled throughout, and a lighter-colored underbelly. They have a pointed nose, large ears, and large dark-colored eyes. Their scaly, hairless tails are longer than their head and body.
• Mice
  One of the most common species of mice invading homes and yards is the common house mouse. They are light brown to gray and have a light cream-colored underbelly. These mice have a pointed nose, large ears, and their tail has a light layer of fur which is about the same length or longer than its body.

Are rodents dangerous?

When rodents like mice and rats find their way inside your home or business, they become dangerous for several different reasons. They chew through and destroy electrical wires, pipes, insulation, drywall, flooring, and beams; these chewing habits can trigger fires and cause water damage. Rodents damage personal property like furniture, clothing, shoes, bedding, carpets, books, and other stored items. They introduce harmful bacteria, diseases, and parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites into your home or business. Rodents also contaminate food and food preparation areas with harmful bacteria as well as their urine and feces.

Why do I have a rodent problem?