Rodent 101: 6 Most Common Rodents in North America

Rodents are among the worst pests in North America. They can invade homes, damage property, and spread diseases. From small house mice to burrowing Norway rats, rodents are highly adaptable and can be challenging to control once they establish a presence in your home. 

Understanding the different types of rodents and their habits can help you prevent infestations before they become a severe problem. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common rodents in North America, how to identify them, and the best ways to keep them out of your home.

 

Overview of Rodents

With over 2,000 different species, rodents are one of the largest groups of mammals. What sets rodents apart is their continuously growing incisors, which they use to gnaw on various materials. This unique dental feature allows them to adapt and thrive, making them highly resilient and challenging to control.

 

Characteristics of Rodents

Rodents come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, from the tiny house mouse to the sizable capybara. Their fur also varies significantly in color and texture, depending on the species.

Let’s dive into some of the most common rodents!

 

1. House Mice (Mus musculus)

 

How to Identify House Mice

House mice are the most common rodent pest in North America. With their large ears and pointed nose, they’re the classic mouse. They’re usually light brown or gray in color and are small—about 2.5-4 inches long (not counting their tail). 

If you’re dealing with an infestation, their droppings are probably the first thing you’ll see. Dark brown, almost black in color, and shaped like tiny grains of rice, mouse droppings should be handled carefully as this is the main way rodents transmit disease.

 

Why They’re a Problem

House mice reproduce quickly and can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. They contaminate food, gnaw on wiring (a fire hazard), and leave behind droppings that can carry diseases like salmonella.

 

Where You’ll Find Them

• Kitchens and pantries
• Basements and crawlspaces
• Behind appliances and inside walls
  

 

2. Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

 

How to Identify Norway Rats

Brownish-gray and large, Norway rats are 7-9 inches long. These rats have thick bodies and blunt noses. Their droppings are slightly different than mouse droppings, capsule-shaped and dark brown.

 

Why They’re a Problem

Also known as sewer rats, Norway rats are burrowers that cause structural damage by tunneling under buildings, decks, and gardens. They spread diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus and contaminate food with their urine and droppings.

 

Where You’ll Find Them

• Basements, sewers, and crawlspaces
• Garbage areas and woodpiles
• Beneath porches and decks

 

3. Roof Rats (Rattus rattus)

 

How to Identify Roof Rats

Slender and 6-8 inches long, these black rats have pointed noses and long tails. Their droppings are spindle-shaped and black. Also known as black rats, they’re excellent climbers and are often found up high in attics and crawl spaces.

 

Why They’re a Problem

Because these rats are great at climbing, they can often inflict serious damage to roofs and crawl spaces. They’re notorious for chewing electrical wiring, which can lead to costly repairs and fire risks.

 

Where You’ll Find Them

• Attics and ceilings
• Trees, vines, and rooftops
• Garages and sheds

 

4. Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

 

How to Identify Deer Mice

These mice stand at 5-8 inches long, including their tail. They’re dark brown or black and commonly have a white underbelly and feet. 

You can tell that you’re dealing with a deer mouse infestation by the size and shape of their droppings. Deer mice droppings are small and rod-shaped.

 

Why They’re a Problem

Deer mice are a significant concern because they are primary carriers of hantavirus, which can be deadly to humans. They often invade rural homes, cabins, and sheds, especially in colder months. Rodent droppings from deer mice can carry hantavirus, posing significant health risks to humans.

 

Where You’ll Find Them

• Barns, sheds, and garages
• Basements and crawlspaces
• Wooded areas and fields

 

5. Voles (Microtus spp.)

 

How to Identify Voles

Voles are in a whole different category; they belong to the rodent family, but they don’t usually invade homes. These stocky creatures stick to wreaking havoc in your flower beds and lawns. They are small, 4-8 inches long, and have short tails.

 

Why They’re a Problem

Beyond destroying your yard, voles can also disrupt local ecosystems by competing with native species for food and habitat.

 

Where You’ll Find Them

• Lawns and flower beds
• Garden beds and tree bases
• Under snow cover in winter

 

6. Moles (Scalopus aquaticus & Other Species)

 

How to Identify Moles

These soft rodents are built for digging. 4-7 inches long, these creatures are known for their large, clawed front feet. They have small eyes and no visible ears.

 

Why They’re a Problem

Moles are not rodents, but they are often mistaken for them due to their underground habits. Unlike voles, moles do not eat plant roots; instead, they feed on insects and earthworms. However, their extensive tunneling can destroy lawns, weaken garden soil, and create unsightly mounds.

 

Where You’ll Find Them

• Yards, golf courses, and parks
• Gardens and landscaped areas
• Moist, loose soil near water sources

 

Signs of Rodent Infestation

Rodent infestations can pose significant problems for both homeowners and businesses, leading to property damage, food contamination, and the spread of diseases. Recognizing the signs of a rodent infestation early can help mitigate these issues.

 

Identifying Rodent Infestations

• Droppings: One of the most common indicators of a rodent infestation is the presence of droppings. Be careful cleaning up rodent droppings, as droppings are the primary way rodent diseases are spread. 
• Gnaw Marks: Finding gnaw marks on furniture, walls, or food packaging can be a clear sign of their presence.
• Nesting Material: Discovering shredded materials in hidden areas of your home or business can indicate nesting activity.
• Unusual Noises: Listen for scratching, squeaking, or scurrying sounds, especially at night when rodents are most active.
• Unusual Odors: A strong, musky odor can be a telltale sign of a rodent infestation. This smell is often due to their urine and can be particularly noticeable in enclosed spaces.

 

Detecting a rodent infestation can be challenging, and it’s often necessary to enlist the help of a professional pest control service to identify and eliminate the problem accurately. By staying vigilant and recognizing these signs, you can take proactive steps to prevent rodent infestations and protect your property.

 

How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation

Whether you’re dealing with mice, rats, or voles, preventing a rodent problem starts with eliminating entry points and food sources.

 

Rodent Prevention Tips

• Seal entry points with caulk or steel wool to block holes around doors, pipes, and foundations.
• Store dry goods in airtight containers and clean up crumbs immediately.
• Store pet food in sealed containers and avoid leaving it out overnight to prevent attracting rodents.
• Remove potential nesting materials like cardboard boxes and old newspapers.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from your home and keep firewood stored off the ground.

 

When to Call a Professional

If you notice signs of an infestation—such as gnaw marks, droppings, or scratching sounds in walls—it’s time to call Insight, your local professional pest control company. Rodents multiply quickly, and DIY solutions may not be enough to eliminate the problem.

At Insight Pest Solutions, we can:

• Identify the species causing the issue
• Implement targeted treatments for effective elimination
• Seal entry points to prevent future infestations

 

Rodents may be small, but their impact on homes and health can be significant. From common house mice to destructive Norway rats, knowing how to identify and prevent these pests is the first step in protecting your property.

If you’re dealing with a rodent infestation, don’t wait—contact Insight Pest Solutions today for safe and effective rodent control.