New England’s Most Commonly Found Pests: Mice and Rats
You may try to create a welcoming home, but there are two types of guests that you want to stay away. You guessed it. Mice and rats. And here’s the bad news—the rat and mouse population is rising from coast to coast. So, if you have a problem with these vermin, know that you are not alone. But what do you do? How do you keep mice and rats away? It starts with understanding the different types and what is attracting them to your home in the first place. Because remember, where there is food and space to play, the rats and mice will stay. The list of mice and rat species in New England is extensive, so watch out for these most commonly found pests around your home.
House Mice
House mice are one of the most common species inside homes. They are small and adaptable and can survive on crumbs, grains, and pet food, so be sure not to leave anything accessible unattended. These mice are excellent climbers, making them difficult to keep out. Be sure to barricade entry points around doors, windows, and your home’s foundation to reduce their likeliness of venturing in.
Field Mice
Field mice are commonly found in meadows, forests, grassy areas, and any wooded domain but are primarily known to venture into homes, particularly in the year’s colder months, for warmth. These mice snack on seeds, berries, insects, and anything small that they can get their paws on. To reduce the risk of their entry and a critical infestation, focus on sealing up any small cracks in your home and clearing away vegetation close to your house to limit their access points.
White-footed Deer Mice
For obvious reasons, white-footed deer mice are named for their white feet and dark fur and are primarily nocturnal. They are known to be found in wooded or brushy areas but can also be found sneaking into garages, sheds, or attics through tiny openings late at night. The mice appetize on seeds, nuts, insects, berries, and fungi. Stay on your toes because these mice may carry diseases, making it critical to keep them out by trimming trees or bushes and removing food sources, like pet food or birdseed, from outdoor areas for safety precautions.
Eastern Mice
Eastern mice are primarily found throughout New Hampshire and are typically found in forests, agricultural lands, and open fields. However, as temperatures drop, they may look for warmth in your basement or attic. They eat a simple diet of seeds, grains, and fruits, so make sure that you store food properly in sealed containers and keep storage areas clean to avoid any attraction from these hungry rodents.
Brown Rats (Norway Rats)
Also known as the Norway rat, brown rats have a life expectancy of two years and are found in the most populated areas in the world, especially New England. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and sewers and feed on garbage and stored food, making them persistent pests. They have a reputation for damaging property, making them one of the most despised rodents around. To avoid brown rats, maintain a clean environment, secure your trash, and eliminate any standing water around your home to limit their food and water sources.
Black Rats (Roof Rats)
Black or roof rats are climbers that prefer moist and higher grounds. Similar to Norway rats, they can be found in attics, roofs, and trees. When they are not high up on roofs, they can be found in gardens feasting on fruits, vegetables, and grains. To avoid the risk of these rats taking up residence, plant trees away from your house, store food securely, and regularly inspect your roof for openings.
Call Absolut Pest Control
Are you worried about mice and rat infestations in your Massachusetts and New Hampshire homes? Absolut Pest Control offers the best pest removal and extermination services in New England at affordable prices. Make your rodent problem our rodent problem! Call (978) 388-4589 today or fill out our contact form on our website!
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