Rodents

Rodents can damage buildings, contaminate food, and transmit diseases to people. The rodent family includes over 2,000 species of rats, mice, gophers, voles, beavers and more. They're also adaptable, capable of learning by trial and error. Many can become trap shy. As a result, people who need to control them have always struggled to "build a better mouse-trap."

Common Rodents in the Portland/Beaverton Area:

Deer Mouse

Color: brown, w/ white feet and underbelly
Tail: bicolored
Shape: round body
Size: 5 to 8 inches long
Region: throughout U.S.

House Mouse

Color: dusty gray w/ a cream underbelly
Tail: long, thin, hairy
Shape: round body w/ triangular snout
Size: 2 1/2 - 3 3/4" long
Region: throughout U.S.

Norway Rat

Color: brown w/ scattered black hairs; gray to white underside
Tail: shorter than the length of their head and body 
Shape: long, heavily bodied; blunt muzzle
Size: 7-9 ½ inches long
Region: throughout U.S.

Roof Rat

Color: brown w/ black intermixed; gray, white or black underside
Tail: long, thin and scaly
Shape: large eyes and ears, a pointed nose
Size: 16" total
(6-8" body/6-8" tail)
Region: coastal states and the southern third of the U.S.

Things to Know:

- Rats and mice are excellent climbers.
- Nocturnal: Mainly active at night.
- Transmit and carry diseases.
- Destructive to property.
- Short gestation period so they multiple quickly.

Signs of an Infestation:

- Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink.
- Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter.
- Signs of chewing on food packaging.
- Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home.
- Stale smells coming from hidden areas.
- Scratching noises at night.

Prevention Tips:

- Reduce clutter inside and out. Clutter may allow rat activity to go unnoticed over time.
- Check unused cars for evidence of rodents. 
-  Trim or remove dense vegetation, including tree limbs, near gardens or buildings.
- Keep kitchen garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Exclude rats and mice by sealing cracks and crevices larger than a quarter inch.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping to keep rats from entering under a door.
  (Metal materials may be necessary to prevent chewing.)
- Remove materials rats may use for nesting or shelter, including cardboard boxes and newspapers.