Predominantly known as carriers of plagues, mice and rodents chew through boxes and bags, nest in stored clothes, and make late night scurrying noises. They also defy mouse traps. Four Seasons Pest Control’s best mouse trap is persistence. A Four Season’s technician takes care in the placement of traps and other devices for the capture of common mice and rodents, and remains diligent in checking those traps. The following are common rodents found in Danville, VA, Moneta, VA, and Reidsville, NC.
House Mouse
Appearance: Body rarely exceeding 2 inches long and 1 ounce in weight, with large ears, small eyes and pointed nose.
Habitat
Mice are found in buildings more often than rats. Mice can fit through holes as small as 1/4 of an inch- about the width of a pencil. Mice will make their nests in many areas in and around structurese, especially in stacked firewood, stones and bricks, and piles of leaves or other debris. Establish a "territory" near food sources that are generally 10 to 30 feet from the nest.
Diet
Omnivorous, but prefers cereal grains.
Control
The best way to avoid invasions of rodents is to eliminate harborage, and to seal holes and cracks in the outside of the home through which mice might enter. Keep firewood stored as far from the home as possible and store it off the ground. Remove any piles of debris, stones, bricks, etc. Do not allow piles of leaves to accumulate next to the home's foundation. This serves as attractive harborage for mice in particular. Seal any hole or crack larger than 1/4 of an inch. Install weatherstripping on the bottom of all doors to prevent rodents from entering.
Norway Rat
Appearance: Brown, heavy-bodied, 6 to 8 inches long, with small eyes and ears and blunt nose. Tail is shorter than the head and body. Its fur is shaggy.
Habitat
Rats live in fields, wooded areas, vacant lots, farms, and just about anywhere people have buildings. Norway rats nest in underground burrows, from which they enter buildings in search of food. Tends to remain in hiding during the day. Rats may find harborage in many areas around the home- especially in stacked firewood, stones and bricks, and piles of leaves or other debris.
Diet
Omnivorous, but prefers meat. Requires regular supply of water.
Control
The best way to avoid invasions of rodents is to eliminate harborage, and to seal holes and cracks in the outside of the home through which mice might enter. Keep firewood stored as far from the home as possible and store it off the ground. Remove any piles of debris, stones, bricks, etc. Do not allow piles of leaves to accumulate next to the home's foundation. This serves as attractive harborage for mice in particular. Seal any hole or crack larger than 1/4 of an inch. Install weatherstripping on the bottom of all doors to prevent rodents from entering.
Roof Rat
Appearance: Black or brown, 7 to 10 inches long, with a long tail, large ears and eyes, and a pointed nose. Body is smaller and sleeker than Norway rat. Fur is smooth.
Habitat
Outside, rats live in fields, wooded areas, vacant lots, farms, and just about anywhere people have buildings. Nests inside and under buildings, or in piles of rubbish or wood. Roof rats are excellent climbers that can often be found in the upper parts of structures.
Diet
Omnivorous, but prefers grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables.
Control
The best way to avoid invasions of rodents is to eliminate harborage, and to seal holes and cracks in the outside of the home through which mice might enter. Keep firewood stored as far from the home as possible and store it off the ground. Remove any piles of debris, stones, bricks, etc. Do not allow piles of leaves to accumulate next to the home's foundation. This serves as attractive harborage for mice in particular. Seal any hole or crack larger than 1/4 of an inch. Install weatherstripping on the bottom of all doors to prevent rodents from entering.