Rodents can be found all over the world. From the tiniest mouse to the capybara, these creatures have been around for some time, and when they find their way into your home, they can cause a problem.
While you aren’t likely to find a capybara in Northeastern Pa., plenty of different rodents call this area home. Unfortunately, some of these furry little creatures can be quite dangerous if they decide to share a space with you.
Finding rodents in your Pennsylvania home can be an expensive and annoying fix. From disease transmission to chewing through your insulation, rodents can be a nuisance.
If you want to prevent rodents from entering your home, learn more about eight common rodents in Northeast Pennsylvania and tips for prevention.
1. House Mice
The house mouse is one of the most common rodents you may encounter inside your home. These small rodents, around 2 ½ – 3 ¾ inches long, can sneak through tiny openings, making them difficult to prevent.
These little critters nest in dark, secluded areas, favoring paper, insulation, fabric, or clutter. House mice can often be hidden away in attics and basements, typically within 50 feet of their living space.
These dusty grey omnivores eat a little bit of everything and are quick, so we recommend traps and bait stations for DIY relief. Though tiny, these mice pose serious health threats, which is a good reason to get rid of them as fast as possible. For example, they carry diseases, such as salmonella, that can infect and spoil food.
2. Norway Rat
Norway rats can get quite large; they average between 7 – 9 ½ inches, which can be a startling discovery. These rodents can be found just about anywhere, but don’t let their size fool you.
They can slip into some pretty small spots, compressing their bodies to slip through cracks and holes to get where they need to go. And, if they can’t fit right away, they can chew their way through. In fact, Norway rats can chew through thin metals and even soft concrete.
These pests are brown or grey and larger than a house mouse, making them easier to spot. While rarer than a mouse, Norway rats can cause serious property damage and carry nasty diseases, such as jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox, trichinosis, and salmonella. Therefore, calling an exterminator at the first sign of a Norway Rat is important.
3. Deer Mouse
On the smaller end of the rodent spectrum is the deer mouse. They can be as little as 4 inches and are typically larger than house mice. They also create smaller and fewer litters. You’ll often find deer mice in the country, living in barns, garages, and other rural areas. They are also nocturnal, making them harder to spot.
Though these mice tend to steer clear of humans, they still carry their dangers. Deer mice are considered a medical concern as they can carry Hantavirus, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis.
4. Chipmunks
These tiny common rodents can often be seen scurrying about in search of nuts, seeds, and fruit during non-winter months. They also tend to hoard food. Chipmunks are little omnivores, and they live in burrows, nesting away through the cold season. These rodents are found near forests, woodland, brushes, or other areas teeming with vegetation.
Chipmunks don’t typically interact with humans and actively avoid contact. These cute little creatures can become a problem if they nest in the wrong place. They can cause serious damage if they build burrows under your house or porch.
5. Gray Squirrels
Squirrels are quite common, not only in Northeastern Pennsylvania but everywhere. They are on nearly every continent except Australia and Antarctica. As the name implies, tree squirrels make their home in trees, and they are omnivores, typically eating nuts, seeds, fruits, eggs, and insects. They also come in various colors other than grey, including black, white, brown, and white.
While squirrels steer clear of humans, they can get quite daring and often sneak up on a bird feeder or damage the shingles on your roof. They can be quite a nuisance and often find themselves trapped where they don’t want to be, like inside your home. Just be sure to check your home for possible squirrel shelter spots and keep them from nesting where they shouldn’t.
6. Voles
Voles, or field mice, often get mistaken for their mole cousins. However, voles are much more of an issue. These mice are vegetarians and are active all year round. These little creatures burrow beneath the ground and can cause a lot of damage to your flower beds and trees. At just 5 to 8 inches long, these critters can be hard to spot.
Unfortunately, voles have large litters—5-10 per year—of about 3-6 young, so they can quickly overrun your yard. Voles tend to like dense areas of vegetation and weeds, and they love to sneak up on birdfeeders.
7. Groundhog
Just about everyone in Pennsylvania is familiar with Punxsutawney Phil. This groundhog vigilantly predicts whether winter will hit us for six more weeks or we will be blessed with an early spring. He’s not the only one, and groundhogs, also called woodchucks, can be a little bit of a nuisance if found in your yard.
These large, solitary creatures live in burrows, measuring between 17.75 and 24 inches. They can cause serious damage to their burrows, gnawing on wires, creating unwanted holes, and destroying gardens. However, they tend to avoid humans, though they may be a nuisance to your pets.
8. Porcupines
Finally, we’ve come to one of the most dangerous rodents on the list. Porcupines are not typically vicious creatures but can be pretty harmful if provoked. These larger rodents tend to steer clear of humans living in wooded areas. However, as their homes shrink, they have been popping up more and more.
While porcupines are very docile creatures, their quills are incredibly sharp if you get too close. On top of a spikey defense, these quills are barbed and covered with an oily substance that can cause burning, itching, and possibly disease.
Signs of Rodents Inside Your Home
While not every rodent will leave the same signs, there are some telltale signs that you are dealing with a rodent on your property and not some other pests.
- Droppings: Most rodents leave small, pellet-shaped droppings that can be found in yards, as well as kitchen cabinets, pantries, or along baseboards if you have mice or rats.
- Gnaw Marks: Rodents chew on various materials to keep their teeth sharp. Look for gnaw marks on furniture, wires, or food packaging.
- Nests: Rodents build nests using shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. You may spot these hidden in secluded areas like attics, basements, or behind appliances.
- Unusual Noises: Scratching or scurrying sounds, especially at night, can indicate rodent presence within walls or ceilings.
- Grease Marks: Oily rub marks along walls or baseboards result from rodents’ greasy fur coming into contact with surfaces.
How to Prevent Rodents from Taking Refuge in Your Home
Rodents are known vectors of disease and can wreck your property. Here are some general tips to keep rodents away from your home and property.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, and holes, especially around utilities and pipes. Seal them with caulk, steel wool, or a combination of both to block potential entryways.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly. To eliminate food sources that attract rodents, keep countertops and floors free of crumbs.
- Proper Landscaping: Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs near your home to reduce shelter and access points for rodents. Maintain a tidy yard to minimize hiding spots and store any firewood or trash far away from your physical home.
- Eliminate Moisture Sources: Fix leaky faucets and ensure proper drainage to remove water sources that may attract rodents. This will also prevent other moisture-loving insects.
- Secure Vents and Chimneys: Install screens over vents and chimney openings to prevent rodents from entering through these routes.
When to Call an Exterminator
Whether they like to hide away in trees or dig underground, we live in an area ripe with rodents. Knowing what to look for is the best way to protect yourself from them. While not all these common rodents pose a direct threat, they can be troublesome should they find their way onto your property. Of course, you can always defer to a pest control expert if you suspect you have a rodent issue.
At The Pest Rangers, we offer monthly protection plans and emergency services, including inspections and treatment, to eliminate rodents quickly. Contact us today to protect your home and stay rodent-free.
FAQs
What diseases can rodents transmit to humans?
Rodents can carry diseases such as Hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis, posing significant health risks to humans.
What should I do if I suspect a rodent infestation?
If you notice signs of a rodent infestation, it’s advisable to contact a professional pest control service to assess and address the problem effectively.
