Common Rodents In Colorado

Rodents are abundant in Colorado. In fact, our state has nearly 60 different species of rodents, from tiny pocket mice to industrious beavers. Of course, while many rodent species are common here, not all threaten homes or businesses. Most rodents are content to remain in their natural habitat, as far away as possible from human interaction.

The rodents we need to be most aware of are the ones that regularly invade Colorado homes and businesses. These rodents can cause property damage and spread diseases to our families, so we need to know how to identify and prevent them.

Mice Vs. Wood Rats- What’s the Difference?

Mice and wood rats are the two most common rodents that get into homes and businesses in Colorado. Identifying and telling them apart from each other can help you quickly recognize if your home or business has a rodent problem so that you can get it taken care of before it causes significant damage.

Although there are various species of mice in Colorado, they all have similar enough features to easily identify them. Mice are small, ranging from two to five inches in length. They typically have brown or gray fur on their backs and heads, with lighter belly fur. Mice tend to have big ears and long tails.

Wood rats are also known as pack rats. They are much larger than mice, growing up to 18 inches long. Wood rats have grayish-brown fur and big eyes and ears. Wood rats have fur on their tails, unlike most other rat species with bare tails.

How And Where Rodents Get Into Colorado Homes And Businesses

Although they could enter your Colorado home any time of year, mice and wood rats are most likely to get inside in the fall as they look for a warm area to spend the winter. It’s easy for these rodents to access the inside of your home through openings that you might think are far too small to allow entry. Mice can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime, while wood rats can get inside through an opening the size of a nickel.

If your home or business has a hole in its siding, a crack in the foundation, or a gap around a window, rodents can utilize that space to get inside. Even if the initial space is too small, rodents are powerful chewers and can gnaw at the opening until it is big enough to squeeze through. Rodents may also make their way inside through chimney openings, open vents, or even drainpipes.

Once inside your home or business, rodents will look for a secluded location with plenty of cover to build their nests. Some of the areas to search if you think you have a rodent problem include:

• Attic spaces
• Wall voids
• Garages
• Storage areas
• Under and behind appliances
• In cabinets and under sinks

Any space offering seclusion and warmth may be where rodents will make their home.

The Problems Rodents Cause In Colorado Homes And Businesses

Unfortunately, just because they try to keep to themselves doesn’t mean that having rodents in your home or business is no big deal. A rodent infestation is a serious cause for concern because of all the problems they cause.

Rodents are highly destructive. They chew on almost anything they can get their teeth on, including wires, pipes, insulation, etc. If rodents enter your structure, you may face electrical problems, water leaks, and other serious issues.

Furthermore, rodents are dangerous to the health of your family, employees, and customers. As they travel through your home (or business) looking for food, they leave droppings wherever they go. These droppings contaminate countertops, food, and other areas, which can then sicken the people who are exposed to them. Rodents can also introduce fleas, ticks, and parasites into homes and businesses, putting the people you care about at further risk.

How To Prevent A Rodent Infestation In Your Colorado Home Or Business

Keeping rodents out of your Colorado home or business must be a priority to protect the structure and the people inside. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make your property less appealing to wood rats and mice. These prevention tips will help you keep your property rodent-free:

• Keep your yard and landscaping well-maintained with routinely trimmed grass and properly pruned plants.
• Remove food sources from your yard, including bird seed, pet food, and fallen fruit from trees.
• Do not store firewood or other items close to your house.
• Reduce moisture around your property by ensuring proper drainage and not allowing your landscaping to become overgrown.
• Seal the exterior of your house to eliminate cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices.
• Cover vents and other openings with wire mesh.
• Keep all food in your home or business stored in sealed containers or the refrigerator.
• Make sure you don’t have any water leaks inside.
• Take out the trash regularly.
• Reduce clutter in your home, business, and storage areas.

You can help prevent a rodent infestation by taking practical steps to reduce food, water, and shelter areas.

What To Do If You Find Rodents In Your Colorado Home Or Business

If you discover a mouse or wood rat infestation in your Colorado home or business, you’ll want to take action quickly to avoid the problems these rodents cause. Getting rid of a rodent infestation can be tricky if you don’t have the proper equipment or training. Typically, the most effective way to eliminate a rodent infestation is to use a variety of means instead of just one.

Rodent Control In Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs & NoCo

EnviroPest utilizes mechanical, natural, and conventional methods to eliminate rodent problems in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and throughout Northern Colorado. One of our residential pest control plans even includes digital rodent monitoring!

To ensure your wood rat or mouse problem is entirely resolved, contact EnviroPest today to request a rodent control quote. We are ready to protect your home or business from damaging rodents!

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