Rodents 101 - About Rodents

There are more than 2,000 different members of the rodent family, but three are predominant in the United States.

• Norway rat (AKA: common rat, sewer rat, brown rat or water rat)
  The largest of the pest rats, measuring 13-18" in length, including a 6-8 1/2" tail. They are good swimmers and usually infest basements, sub-basements and sewers.
• Black rat (AKA: roof rat, house rat, tree rat or fruit rat)
  Smaller than the Norway rat. They are excellent climbers, often found in high places (trees, roofs etc.) and may tightrope walk along electrical wires to gain access to buildings.
• House mouse
  One of the world's most widespread and abundant mammals. The house mouse is really house mice; instead of one species, the house mouse is a general term for several different species and subspecies, rarely exceeding 2" in length and one ounce in weight. They are social, living in small groups of related individuals. Nests can occur in burrows, roof and wall voids and cupboards within homes.

Rodents are prolific breeders and they reproduce rapidly

• Norway rats are sexually mature at two to three months. Females have very high reproductive rates; they produce five or six litters a year with eight to ten young per litter.
• Sexual maturity in black rats occurs at three to four months and females produce four to six litters of five to ten rats.
• House mice achieve sexual maturity at two months and females produce six to ten litters of four to eight young each before dying at age one.

Rodents range in size from very small to very large (the size of a small pig!) and vary in color, but they all have a long pair of upper and lower incisor teeth that are rootless and never stop growing.

Most home invasions by rodents occur in the fall because the seeds and plants on which rodents feed outside become scarce. Rodents are also prevalent in the spring when there is mild weather and after heavy precipitation.

Rodents are strong survivors and significant pests because they are highly adaptable and they will eat almost anything.

• Rats and mice are one of the biggest competitors to humans for food.