Identifying Norway Rats In Ohio

• Size and Body Shape: Norway rats are one of the largest rodent species encountered in urban environments. Adults can weigh between 350 to 500 grams (12 to 17 oz), with a body length of about 20 cm (8 inches) not including the tail. They have a bulky body shape compared to other rat species.

• Fur Color: Their fur is coarse and brown or grey in color, with a lighter underbelly. The coloration can vary somewhat, but it's generally darker compared to the roof rat (Rattus rattus), which is another common urban rat species.

• Tail: The tail is shorter than the head and body length combined, dark on top, and pale underneath. It's covered in scales and has very little hair.

• Ears and Eyes: Norway rats have small ears in relation to their body size, which do not reach over the eyes if pulled down. Their eyes are small as well, contributing to a somewhat blunt facial appearance.

• Droppings: Their droppings are blunt at the ends and larger than those of mice, typically 18-20 mm in length. Droppings are a good indicator of the presence of Norway rats.

• Nesting Behavior: Norway rats are burrowers. They often create extensive underground burrows at ground level. They prefer to nest in locations that provide good cover and access to food and water.

• Diet: They are omnivorous but prefer a diet rich in proteins and carbohydrates. They will eat nearly anything but tend to favor meats, fish, flour, fruits, and grains.

• Behavior: Norway rats are more cautious than roof rats. They are excellent swimmers, both on the surface and underwater, and may travel through sewer lines.

• Habitat: While they can climb, Norway rats usually inhabit the lower floors of buildings or burrows under sidewalks, piles of debris, or other undisturbed ground covers. They are more commonly found in the basements or ground floors of urban areas.

• Sounds: They may emit a range of sounds, including squeaks, hisses, and chattering when distressed or fighting. However, they are generally quieter than roof rats.

Identifying Black Rats In Ohio

• Size and Body Shape: Black rats are smaller and sleeker than Norway rats, with adults typically weighing between 150 to 250 grams (5 to 9 oz) and having a body length of about 16 to 20 cm (6.3 to 7.9 inches), not including the tail. They have a more slender body shape.

• Fur Color: Their fur is smooth and usually dark brown to black on the back with a lighter underside, though coloration can vary to lighter shades of brown.

• Tail: The tail is longer than the head and body length combined, is darkly colored, and covered in fine scales. It is thin and very agile, aiding in their excellent climbing abilities.

• Ears and Eyes: Black rats have relatively large ears and eyes in proportion to their head. Their large ears can be pulled over the eyes if extended, unlike those of the Norway rat.

• Droppings: Their droppings are spindle-shaped with pointed ends, smaller than those of the Norway rat, typically about 12 mm in length. The shape and size of droppings are key identifiers.

• Nesting Behavior: Black rats are adept climbers and prefer to nest above ground. They are often found in attics, walls, or dense vegetation and rarely burrow into the ground.

• Diet: They are omnivorous with a preference for fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetation, reflecting their arboreal (tree-living) habits, though they will eat a wide range of foods.

• Behavior: Known for their agility, black rats are excellent climbers and can easily access upper stories of buildings or trees. They are also known to be good swimmers.

• Habitat: They prefer warmer climates and are more commonly found in coastal towns and port cities. In buildings, they tend to inhabit the upper parts, including the attic and roof spaces.

• Sounds: Black rats are generally more vocal than Norway rats, making a range of noises such as squeaks, chatters, and even distress calls that can be heard if they are disturbed or excited.

Identifying Field Mice in Ohio

Size and Body Shape: Field mice are relatively small rodents, typically ranging from 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) in body length, with a tail almost equal to their body length. They have a slender build compared to house mice.

Fur Color: They boast a distinctive reddish-brown or golden-brown fur on their backs, which helps them blend into their natural habitat. Their underside is usually lighter, often white or gray.

Ears and Eyes: Field mice have large, prominent ears in relation to their head size, which are much more conspicuous than those of house mice. Their eyes are also relatively large and dark, providing them with excellent night vision.

Tail: Their tail is long and often darker on top and lighter underneath. It is covered with short hair, which differentiates them from the more sparsely haired tails of house mice.

Droppings: Droppings of field mice are small, about 3 to 8 mm in length, and rod-shaped. They can often be found along pathways or near food sources in the field.

Habitat: True to their name, field mice are commonly found in fields, meadows, and wooded areas. They prefer outdoor environments to indoor spaces and are rarely found in residential homes unless their outdoor habitat is disturbed.

Diet: Their diet primarily consists of seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. This diet reflects their habitat's availability, as they often store food in underground burrows or caches.

Behavior: Field mice are known for their agility and are excellent climbers and jumpers. They are generally nocturnal, with peak activity periods at dusk and dawn.

Nesting: They build intricate nests of grass, leaves, and other plant materials, often located underground, under logs, or in dense vegetation to avoid predators.

Tracks and Signs: In addition to droppings, signs of field mice include small, clean-cut gnaw marks on fruits and vegetables, as well as tiny footprints with four toes in the front and five toes in the back, often accompanied by tail drag marks.

Identifying House Mice in Ohio

Size and Body Shape: House mice are small rodents, typically 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) long, not including the tail. They have a slender body and a somewhat pointed nose, distinguishing them from larger, more robust rodents like rats.

Fur Color: Their fur color can vary widely from light brown to dark grey, with a lighter color on the belly. Some house mice might also exhibit a nearly black coloration.

Tail: The tail is long, roughly equal to the length of the head and body combined, and is covered with a light layer of fur. It appears less scaly compared to the tails of some other rodent species.

Ears and Eyes: House mice have large ears in relation to their size, which are often nearly as long as their body is wide. Their eyes are also relatively large and prominent, giving them a characteristic alert appearance.

Droppings: Mouse droppings are small, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length, and are rod-shaped with pointed ends. The presence and concentration of droppings can indicate active areas of mouse activity.

Nesting Behavior: House mice are known for creating nests in hidden areas close to food sources. They commonly use materials like paper, fabric, or other soft materials to build their nests.

Diet: They are omnivorous but tend to prefer grains, seeds, and fruits. However, house mice are adaptable and will consume almost any type of food if necessary.

Behavior: House mice are nocturnal, with most of their activity occurring during the night. They are curious and will explore their environment extensively.

Sounds: They can produce a range of sounds, including squeaks and clicks, especially when communicating with each other or expressing distress.

Tracks: The tracks of house mice can sometimes be seen in dusty environments. Their front feet create smaller prints than their rear feet, and you might also notice tail drag marks between footprints.

Our Treatment

Our treatment consists of multiple measures including sealing entry points, placing dust into voids, and placing tamper proof bait stations to eliminate infestation.