Perhaps the last thing you want to think about being in your home is rodents. They pose serious issues, from damage to disease. This guide will help you identify types of rodents in Denver, Colorado, how to prevent them, and what to do if you have them.
Types of Rodents in Denver, Colorado
Norway Rats
These rats are larger than other rats in the area and can grow as long as 10 inches in the body. Their tails are shorter than their body length, and they are usually brown or grey. Also known as sewer rats, they travel in pipes below your city and can get into your home in search of meat, pet food, or other pests. Despite their large size, Norway rats can squeeze through a gap under an inch wide.
Roof Rats
While Norway rats prefer to be on the ground, roof rats are climbers and occupy spaces above the ground. They too can squeeze through small gaps just half an inch wide. Roof rats are smaller and more slender than Norway rats and grow to be about 6-8 inches long with a tail longer than their bodies. Their coloring ranges from light grey to black.
House Mice
These small creatures are among the most common rodents in Denver, Colorado. They can squeeze through small cracks and climb on any rough vertical surface like wooden beams or insulated wires. They can also jump a foot into the air and bounce from surface to surface as they climb. A house mouse’s hairless tail is equal to its combined head and body length.
Voles
Sometimes called field mice, voles are small rodents in Denver, Colorado, and elsewhere that resemble mice except for their furry tail and larger body. They can grow up to eight inches long.
Why Rodent Infestation Is a Problem
As we all know from our history books, rodents carry diseases and parasites and pose serious health threats. They also do a lot of damage to a structure and the things inside it. In fact, rodents’ incisors continuously grow, so they have to keep chewing to wear them down and prevent them from overgrowing. That means they are built to eat up your belongings if they get into your home or business. Chewing damage, debris, and droppings are the main signs that you have a rodent infestation.
Rodent Prevention in Denver
Luckily, there are steps you can take for rodent control in Denver, CO to prevent rodent infestation:
- Seal any cracks in your foundation
- Seal any gaps under doors or around windows
- Keep garbage cans sealed
- Remove piles of debris from your property
- Keep food containers, pantries, and pet food containers sealed
- Fix any water leaks to keep them from becoming a water source for rodents
Want to learn about other common pests in Denver? Visit our pest library.
Hire Rodent Removal & Control Services in Denver
Sometimes, rodent prevention fails. When you notice a rodent problem in your home or business, the most important thing is to act quickly. For homeowners in Denver, rodent removal is just a call away. Evergreen provides rodent removal in Denver that is safe and effective. Contact us today to learn more about our services.