Rodent Facts & Identification
Protect Your Property from rodents
Common Rodents in East Tennessee
House Mouse
House mice are small rodents, typically 2.5-4 inches long with gray or light brown fur, large ears, and long, hairless tails. They are commonly found in homes, garages, and businesses, nesting in walls, attics, basements, and storage areas where they have access to food and shelter. House mice can contaminate food, damage property by gnawing on wires and insulation, and spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus through their droppings and urine. To prevent infestations, seal entry points, store food in airtight containers, and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment.
Norway Rat
Norway rats are large rodents, typically 7-9.5 inches long with coarse brown or gray fur, small ears, and a thick, scaly tail shorter than their body. They are commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, sewers, and outdoor burrows near homes and businesses, especially where food and water sources are available. These rats pose serious health risks by contaminating food, spreading diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, and introducing parasites such as fleas and mites. They can also cause significant structural damage by gnawing on wires, pipes, and wood. Preventing infestations involves sealing entry points, removing food sources, and maintaining proper sanitation.
Roof Rat
Roof rats are slender rodents, typically 6-8 inches long, with smooth black or dark brown fur, large ears, and a long, scaly tail that is longer than their body. Unlike Norway rats, they are excellent climbers and are often found in attics, ceilings, upper levels of buildings, and trees. Roof rats pose health risks by contaminating food, spreading diseases like typhus and salmonella, and carrying parasites such as fleas and mites. They can also cause property damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and wood. To prevent infestations, homeowners should seal roof and wall gaps, trim tree branches away from buildings, and store food in rodent-proof containers.
How Do I get Rid Of Mice or Rats?
Mice in Knoxville
Start by identifying where the rodents are most active—look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting materials in pantries, basements, attics, or behind appliances. Set snap traps, live traps, or bait stations along their travel paths, which are typically along walls and in dark, secluded areas. Peanut butter, chocolate, or small pieces of dried fruit can be effective bait. Avoid using rodenticides indoors unless absolutely necessary, as poisoned mice can die in hard-to-reach areas, leading to odor and sanitation issues.
Once they are are caught or eliminated, thoroughly clean the affected areas to remove scent trails that could attract new rodents. Disinfect surfaces, vacuum droppings with a HEPA filter, and dispose of contaminated materials safely. If you are still having issues with mice, call one of our pest technicians today to schedule a rodent service.
How Can I Prevent Rodents in my home or business?
Rodent prevention
Preventing rodents in your home or business in East Tennessee requires a combination of exclusion, sanitation, and habitat management. Start by sealing any potential entry points. Use steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to block gaps around doors, windows, vents, and pipes. Regularly inspect your property for any cracks or openings that could allow rodents inside.
Maintaining cleanliness is also crucial. Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and dispose of trash regularly in tightly sealed bins. Keep outdoor areas free of debris, trim back vegetation from the building, and store firewood at least 20 feet away from the structure. Eliminating clutter in basements, attics, and storage rooms will also reduce hiding spots. If you live in an area prone to rodent activity, consider using preventative measures like traps or deterrents around your property. Ask us about our rodent prevention plans.
What are the signs of a rodent infestion?
signs of an infestation
Rodents are often found in quiet, undisturbed parts of your home. This is where they prefer to build their nests. Rodent nests are commonly found in attics, crawlspaces, basements, and the inside of your walls. They have also been known to nest inside of electrical boxes, which is particularly dangerous and can lead to an electrical fire. If you see signs of a rodent, or of a nest, call the Knoxville rodent control experts at Pest Ops ASAP. These are the signs of a rodent infestation:
- The sound of scratching or scurrying behind your walls
- A rodent racetrack, or greasy streaks along walls or baseboards
- Gnaw marks on baseboards, walls, and furniture
- Gnaw marks on food containers
- Rodent droppings around the house
- Pets that are particularly interested in a strange spot, such as a corner of the room
- Seeing a mouse or rat in your home