Rodents are common inhabitants of Pennsylvania, as our great commonwealth is home to two native species of mice, four voles, and several species of imported mice.
From voles that disrupt crops in rural areas like Bucks County to rats that fester in cities like Allentown, rodents can be an unwelcome surprise to property owners, and can quickly overstay their welcome.
Unfortunately, due to the many horrible myths floating around about these destructive pests, people have some sketchy rodent control information that makes taking care of the problem more difficult.
Will mice only explore during the night? Would getting a cat work if a rat can match it in size? Can you snag those critters with a hunk of cheese?
Here are some myths and facts about rodents in Pennsylvania and rodent control that will set the record straight.
Common Small Rodents in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to a variety of small rodent species that can fit through the tiniest cracks and find their way into your home if you’re not careful.
- House Mouse – Small, grayish-brown, and highly adaptable, house mice are common indoor pests, especially during colder months. They enter through tiny openings and often nest in walls, basements, or pantries.
- Deer Mouse – Recognizable by its white belly and brown back, the deer mouse is often found in rural or wooded areas. While less likely to infest homes, it can carry hantavirus and pose a serious health risk when it does.
- Norway Rat – Large, heavy-bodied rats often found near sewers, basements, and lower levels of buildings. They’re aggressive, excellent burrowers, notorious for contaminating food and spreading disease.
- Roof Rat – More slender and agile than the Norway rat, roof rats prefer high places like attics, rafters, or trees. They’re quick climbers and capable of causing damage to insulation and wiring.
- Voles – Small, chunky rodents that resemble field mice. They burrow underground and are often responsible for damaging lawns, gardens, and ornamental plants by chewing roots and bark.
Signs a Small Rodent Is In Your House
Rodents are elusive and typically operate at night, but even the sneakiest intruder leaves behind evidence. Here are some of the most common and telling signs of a rodent infestation:
- Droppings – Rodent droppings are small, dark, and pellet-shaped. House mouse droppings are about 1/8 inch long with pointed ends, while rat droppings are larger and blunt. You’ll often find them concentrated near food sources, behind appliances, inside drawers, or along baseboards.
- Gnaw Marks – Rodents have ever-growing incisors that require constant gnawing to keep in check. Look for chew marks on wood, cardboard, plastic containers, and even electrical wiring—this can pose a serious fire hazard. Fresh gnaw marks are lighter in color and darken over time.
- Scratching Sounds – At night, you may hear scratching, scampering, or rustling noises coming from behind walls, ceilings, or under floorboards. These sounds are often a dead giveaway of rodent activity, particularly when the house is quiet.
- Grease Trails – As rodents travel the same routes repeatedly, the oils from their fur rub off on walls, baseboards, and floorboards, creating visible smudge marks or dark streaks along their paths.
- Nests – Rodents build nests using shredded materials like paper, fabric, insulation, and dried plant matter. These nests are typically hidden in quiet, dark areas such as inside wall cavities, behind appliances, or in storage boxes.
Spotting even a single sign should prompt a closer inspection. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and what starts as one or two can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation.
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable dealing with the problem yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed pest control professional.
7 Myths About Small Rodents in Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, some pernicious myths about rodents have stuck around, making it harder for homeowners to accurately and effectively deal with an ongoing rodent infestation. Here are seven common myths that must be dispelled to understand and eliminate rodents.
Myth #1 – Rats can be as large as a house cat.
Fact: Norway rats–the largest rat–can sometimes reach up to 1 pound and measure nearly 8 inches long; they are nowhere near the size of house cats, which are normally around 10-12 pounds.
These “big” rats are more than likely confused with another rodent species. Since many rodents use a water source to travel, it may be that rats are confused with much bigger animals.
Myth #2 – Cats will take care of a mouse problem.
Fact: A cat in a home may take care of your rodent problem, provided they are “mousers.” Not all cats are hunters, and not all hunters will hunt mice.
Well-fed cats may not be bothered to hunt any whiskered intruders. Of course, some cats will hunt for fun and thrill, but some cats do not. It’s also rare for a cat to challenge a rat.
Myth #3 – Rats and mice can get through tiny holes because they are boneless.
Fact: Rats and mice actually have internal skeletons but have very flexible ribs, allowing them to squeeze through the tiniest gaps. Rodents have more flexibility and lack a collarbone which makes getting into small places much easier. Quite simply, if they can get their head through it, they can bypass it.
Myth #4 – Seeing rodents in daylight means there’s an entire colony
Fact: Rats and mice are primarily nocturnal, but they always move about regardless of whether it is day or night. If you see one, it’s not necessarily a sign of a big infestation–it’s just much easier to see them in the daylight.
Mice will only explore when they feel safe or when they are hungry. Their senses are sharp and always alert for any potential threats. Additionally, they usually have their own routes where they can move around undetected. Also, they only sleep for a short period of time. Better signs of a major infestation include droppings, burrows, or actual property damage.
Myth #5 – Cheese is the best bait to catch a mouse or rat.
Fact: Though cartoon mice going after cheese are plentiful, it’s more likely that mice would enjoy grains, seeds, or fruits. Though a rodent may eat cheese, what they will go after depends on the species and their hunger.
They tend to go after foods higher in fiber or fat. The ideal bait options for catching mice include fruit, grains, and peanut butter.
Myth #6 – Rats and mice aren’t aggressive creatures
Fact: Like any cornered animal, rats and mice will attack when threatened. They will likely go on the offensive if surprised or if they feel trapped. They can easily puncture skin with a bite that could cut nerves, strike bone, and cause infection.
Rats won’t necessarily only attack when cornered–they will even bite if they smell food. While rats don’t necessarily carry the black plague, they can transmit some pretty nasty diseases, including leptospirosis and rat-bite fever.
Myth #7 – Having rodents means a home is run-down or in poor condition.
Fact: Though rodent control is needed in places with poor sanitation, they can be found just about anywhere. Rodents move along water sources like streams and sewers, and they can invade anywhere they can find access.
Like any other creature, they require water to survive and tend to stay near it. They rely on an adequate food source, which can be just about anything: garbage, pet food, bird seed, or fruit trees.
How to Get Rid of Small Rodents in Pennsylvania
A rodent infestation can be frustrating, but they are completely manageable if you follow the right steps.
Start by sealing up any potential entry points. Mice and rats can squeeze through incredibly small openings, so check around doors, windows, vents, pipes, and crawlspaces. Use steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing to block access—spray foam alone won’t stop them for long.
Next, make your home less inviting. Rodents are always on the hunt for food, so store pantry items in airtight containers, wipe up crumbs, and don’t leave pet food sitting out overnight. A clean kitchen goes a long way toward discouraging unwanted guests.
Strategically placed traps can help reduce the population, especially in high-traffic zones like behind appliances, along baseboards, or in the attic. Bait them with peanut butter, fruit, or grains for the best results.
Keep an eye out for new activity—fresh droppings, gnaw marks, or odd noises. These clues can help you pinpoint where rodents are hiding or moving through your home.
And if the problem seems bigger than you expected—or you’d rather not deal with it at all—don’t hesitate to call a professional. A licensed pest control expert can inspect your home, identify the culprits, and build a custom treatment plan to kick them out for good.
FAQs
Are mice and rats dangerous?
Aside from damaging property, rodents can spread diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. Their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces, and their constant gnawing can pose electrical fire risks.
Is it true that if I see one rodent, there are more?
Often, yes. Rodents are social and reproduce quickly. If you’ve spotted one, it’s a good idea to inspect further or bring in a professional to assess the extent of the infestation.
When should I call a pest control professional?
If DIY methods don’t work, the signs are widespread, or you want peace of mind, it’s smart to call in the pros. Professionals have the tools and expertise to safely eliminate rodents and prevent future invasions.
