| Mice and rats | Mice and rats | These rodents are commonly problems wherever humans exist. Rodents will feed on just about anything including garbage, pet food, bird seed, meats, and nuts. Structural damage can occur from the rodents nesting and gnawing in and on the structure. Both mice and rats are generally nocturnal (more active at night) and if they are seen during the day it might indicate a heavy infestation.
In Washington there are primarily two species of rats: The Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats have a tail that is shorter than their head and body combined. They build nests under buildings, low shrubs, wood piles, garbage dumps, and accumulations of junk. Roof rats, on the other hand, have a tail that is longer than their head and body combined. They are somewhat smaller than the Norway rat. They are also better climbers, building their nests in trees, attics, walls, or vine-covered fences.
There are also two main species of problematic mice in Washington: The house mouse and the deer mouse. The house mouse consumes and contaminates many food stuffs because they tend to nibble on food and then discard it. Mice can also damage stored items or cause expensive appliances to malfunction because of their gnawing or nest building. The deer mouse is one of the most common mice found in agricultural and forest areas. This mouse prefers to eat seeds but will also consume fruits, insects, and fungi. Deer mice generally nest underground but will nest in hollow logs, or unoccupied buildings. Deer mice are also a primary carrier of Hantavirus, a dangerous, often fatal pulmonary disease. |
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