Understanding the Differences Between Mice and Rats
House Mice
House mice are small, with bodies around 3 inches long and tails more than double their overall length. They have dusty gray bodies with cream-colored underbellies, large ears, and a pointed nose.
Known for their curiosity and agility, house mice are excellent climbers and love to nest inside structures. They are social creatures that live together with related mice.
Deer Mice
Deer mice tend to have slightly shorter bodies than house mice, but their longer tails make them longer than house mice overall. They have brown fur with white underbellies. Deer mice are most easily identifiable by their bicolored tails.
Although they prefer to live outside, deer mice sometimes find their way into homes.
Roof Rats
Roof rats grow to eight inches long, with tails that double their overall length. They have long, lean bodies, brown fur, scaly tails, and big eyes and ears.
Roof rats are excellent climbers. They typically nest in the upper levels of homes, including attics, and live in colonies.
Norway Rats
Norway rats grow to around nine inches long, with shorter tails than their body length. They have thick, heavy bodies, brown fur, and small eyes and ears.
Norway rats are not the greatest climbers, so they tend to stick to the ground level, often nesting in basements and lower floors. They are social creatures that frequently build their burrows close to each other.
Which Rodents Are More Common in Chico and NorCal?
Chico and Northern California’s mild climate, abundance of food sources, and urbanization make it an ideal environment for rodents. You might encounter mice and rats in a residential neighborhood or a bustling downtown area. But which one is more common?
Mice are commonly found in residential areas, especially in older homes with easier access points. House mice tend to nest indoors, making walls, attics, and basements their preferred hiding spots. Deer mice love suburban and rural areas with plenty of open land, fields, and wooded areas.
Rats are often spotted in commercial areas, sewers, and abandoned buildings. Urban or densely populated areas are more likely to have rat problems. Rats prefer to nest outdoors, often burrowing in gardens, under sheds, or in piles of debris. However, they can move inside for a variety of reasons. If they do, you’re most likely to find roof rats in attic spaces or upper levels and Norway rats in basement areas or lower levels.
Preventing Mouse and Rat Infestations
Mice and rats are common visitors in Chico and NorCal homes and businesses, but you don’t have to wait for a problem to start. Preventing rodents before they enter is the easiest way to save yourself headaches. Try these rodent prevention tips to keep them out.
- Seal all potential entry points, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors, and open vents.
- Keep food stored in airtight containers.
- Clean up dirty dishes, countertops, and floors after meals.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Declutter your home, especially storage areas.
- Address moisture issues inside and outside your house.
- Trim overhanging tree branches and maintain a tidy yard to deter rodents.
- Remove outdoor food sources.
- Store firewood away from your house.
- Get routine professional rodent control services.
Why Get Professional Rodent Control?
There are two reasons to turn to the professionals at Big Time Pest Control.
- Rodents have already entered your home or business, and you need to eliminate them as quickly as possible to minimize the problems they cause.
- You don’t want to deal with rodents and the problems they cause, so you want proactive pest control services.
Whatever reason is true for you, the experts at Big Time Pest Control can help. Depending on your location and living conditions, mice and rats can be common pests. Big Time Pest Control has a deep understanding of rodent behavior, which allows us to employ effective prevention and control measures to keep these unwelcome pests at bay.
Remember that it's essential to address rodent problems promptly to protect your home or business and your health. Whether you're dealing with mice, rats, or both, Chico residents have options for addressing these rodents and maintaining a pest-free environment. Stay vigilant, take action, and enjoy a rodent-free living space in this beautiful part of California with the help of Big Time Pest Control. Contact us today for our effective rodent control for your home or to learn more about our commercial pest control services!
This blog was originally published on October 30, 2023, and has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.
