Rodents, identified by their large teeth, which are also called incisors. They use their incisors to chew through just about anything. Mice and rats want food, water, and shelter. If they find any of
those three, they will not be easy to get out. Kansas City ranks top 30 in the worst cities for rat and mouse infestations. The three most common rodents in the Kansas City area are the House
Mouse, Deer Mouse, and Norway rat.
House Mouse
their tails add another 2.75 to 4 inches. Their most recognizable traits are their light-brown or dark gray fur and beady black eyes.
Deer Mice
A Deer Mouse is much bigger than the house mouse sitting at five to eight inches long. Their fur color is predominantly light brown mixed with gray patches on their back. The Deer Mouse also has a white belly that is more noticeable than most species of mice.
Norway Rat
The Norway rat, believed to be of Asian origin, was brought to the U.S. aboard ships in the 1700s. Norway Rats are common in Kansas City, having the main difference from a mouse of size. A Norway Rat, also known as a Sewer rat, grows to around 7-10 inches long with mostly brown hair.
Signs of rodent infestations
Indications of an infestation by any of the three will be similar for each of these three species. Gnaw marks are a common sign; gnaw marks will be on the house and used as an entry point. You will possibly find more inside as they will need to wear down and sharpen their incisors. Droppings will be another recognizable sign; droppings can be of different sizes and characteristics depending on the species. There are a few other tells that are a bit harder to recognize. Oily stains are one you will find in a few different places, specifically around entry points and along travel paths.
What is a typical rodent diet?
Mice prefer grains such as seeds as their food source but will eat many things such as insects, nuts, and fruits if inside. While outside, it will be much of the same except for plants will be more
common day to day. As for rats, their diet includes a range of foods as they prefer a balanced diet of grains, meats, fish, and fruits.
What dangers do rodents pose?
Rodents bring with them serious threats wherever they go. Mice and rats carry various diseases including, Jaundice, Cowpox, Trichinosis, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, and Salmonella. Rodents will also cause structural damage to homes, gnawing their way inside and within the home. Mites, fleas, and ticks are also carried by rodents and cause infestations of those species.
How can I get rid of and prevent rodents?
Getting rid of and preventing rodents can include some similar steps. Eliminate entry points by filling with steel wool or fully repairing them. You will also want to fill any crawl areas with steel wool. Find any spots with leaky pipes which can be a water source for rodents. Food will need to be stored safely as possible. Call Blue Beetle, Kansas City rodent experts.
Sources:
Norway Rats
Deer Mice
House Mice
