Rodents

1. House Mouse

• Size: 2.5–4 inches long (plus tail).
  
  

• Color: Light brown to gray with a slightly pointed nose and large ears.
  
  

• Droppings: Small, black, rod-shaped (~1/8 inch).
  
  

• Behavior:
  
  

  • Active mostly at night.
    
    

  • Excellent climbers.
    
    

  • Leave oily rub marks along walls and corners.
    
    

2. Deer Mouse

• Size: Similar to house mouse.
  
  

• Color: Brown with white belly and feet.
  
  

• Tail: Bicolored (dark top, light underside).
  
  

• Behavior:
  
  

  • More rural than urban.
    
    

  • Known carrier of hantavirus (do not sweep droppings — mist and wipe with disinfectant).
    
    

3. Norway Rat (Brown Rat)

• Size: 7–9.5 inches long (plus thick tail).
  
  

• Color: Brown or gray, bulky body, small ears.
  
  

• Droppings: Blunt ends, about 3/4 inch long.
  
  

• Behavior:
  
  

  • Burrowers — prefer basements, crawl spaces, sewers.
    
    

  • Chew through wood, plastic, even soft metals.
    
    

4. Roof Rat (Black Rat) (less common in Michigan, but possible in urban areas or near water)

• Size: 6–8 inches long.
  
  

• Color: Black or dark brown, slender build.
  
  

• Tail: Longer than body, good climbers.
  
  

• Behavior:
  
  

  • Prefer attics, roofs, and trees.
    
    

  • More common in warmer regions but can exist near ports and dense cities.
    
    

5. Voles (Field Mice)

• Size: 3.5–5 inches long.
  
  

• Color: Brownish-gray, stocky, short tail.
  
  

• Behavior:
  
  

  • Outdoor rodents — destroy lawns and gardens.
    
    

  • Create surface tunnels in grass and chew bark at tree bases.
    
    

🕳️ WHERE RODENTS HIDE

House Mice

Inside walls, behind appliances, attics, insulation

Deer Mice

Sheds, garages, basements, woodpiles

Norway Rats

Crawl spaces, under decks, sewers, burrow near foundations

Roof Rats

Attics, rafters, trees, upper floors

Voles

Tall grass, garden beds, mulch, under snow in winter

🛡️ HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS

🏠 Exterior

• Seal gaps larger than 1/4 inch using steel wool + caulk or metal flashing.
  
  

• Keep trash sealed and away from the house.
  
  

• Trim trees/shrubs away from rooflines and siding.
  
  

• Install door sweeps and repair window screens.
  
  

🍽️ Interior

• Store food in sealed containers.
  
  

• Clean crumbs, spills, and grease regularly.
  
  

• Declutter: Cardboard, cluttered basements, and garages attract nesting.
  
  

🧼 Yard

• Cut tall grass and weeds.
  
  

• Remove fallen fruit, pet food, birdseed.
  
  

• Store firewood 20+ feet from the home.
  
  

🔥 HOW TO GET RID OF RODENTS

1. Traps

• Snap traps: Reliable and fast kill.
  
  

• Glue traps: Less humane, not recommended long-term.
  
  

• Live traps: Must relocate far away (and legally).
  
  

• Placement tip: Put traps along walls where rodents run.
  
  

2. Bait Stations (Rodenticides)

• Effective but should be used with extreme caution around kids, pets, and wildlife.
  
  

• Use tamper-proof stations indoors or around foundations.
  
  

3. Ultrasonic Devices

• Mixed results — may deter briefly, but rodents often adapt.
  
  

4. Professional Extermination

• For infestations, chewed wiring, or difficult access areas (attics, crawlspaces).
  
  

• Pro companies can identify entry points, trap, seal, and sanitize.
  
  

⚠️ SIGNS OF INFESTATION

• Scratching sounds at night.
  
  

• Droppings near food or along walls.
  
  

• Grease marks and urine odor.
  
  

• Chewed packaging or wiring.
  
  

• Nesting material: shredded paper, insulation, or fabric.