They may be little and furry and, to some, even cute, but rodents can be hazardous and destructive. Mice and rats can cause structural damage, and they cause all kinds of trouble when they chew on electrical wires, which may even result in a fire. They can also be carriers of fleas and disease. The first step to effective rodent control in Colorado Springs is knowing which rodents are common here.
Common Rodents in Colorado Springs, Colorado
House Mouse (Mus musculus)
When you think of a mouse in your house, you are probably seeing an image of a house mouse. Small and gray with a hairless tail that is as long as its body, it is a common rodent in Colorado Springs and worldwide.
With a reliable source of food, mice will nest in one small area for years. A female house mouse may spend her entire life in a 10-foot circle, as long as her needs are met.
Vole (Microtus spp.)
A vole is a mouse-like creature, with a compact body, small legs, and a short, furry tail. Although small, voles can destroy a beautiful yard or garden. Their extensive tunnel system turns your lawn into a tripping hazard and an ankle-bender. They love tubers and will eat a crop of potatoes or sweet potatoes. They will also “girdle” small foliage, eating the bark from the ground up, which can kill young plants.
Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Norway rats are brown with small ears, a blunt nose, and a tail that is shorter than its body. They average about 10-inches in length. Rats eat pretty much anything, so it is impossible to cut off their food supply. Norway rats nest in burrows or under concrete and exterior shelters, but of course, love a cozy nest indoors.
Roof Rat (Rattus rattus)
Typically about 6-8 inches long, the roof rat is thinner than the Norway rat, and its tail is much longer than its body. While Norway rats burrow, roof rats prefer to nest above ground.
Like all rodents, roof rats have a “gnawing” habit. They will bite through pipes to get water, chew up paper and fabrics to make nesting material, and gnaw holes in walls, doors, and anything else that is in their way.
Professional Help for Rodent Removal in Colorado Springs
Need a Colorado Springs exterminator for mice or another rodent infestation, or just want to make sure you do not get one? Contact Evergreen Pest Control for an appointment today.
