House Mouse
Mus musculus

This little creature is small and slender, about 3 to 4 inches long with large ears, small eyes and a pointed nose. Color is light brown or light gray and droppings are rod shaped. They nest in structures and establish a territory near food sources 20 to 30 feet from the nest. Mice are very curious but also very wary and are excellent climbers. Their diet is omnivorous-Prefer cereal grains. They are prolific breeders at about two months and can have litters as often as every 40 to 50 days, usually 4 to 7 young per litter and can live up to one year. They usually feed 15 to 20 times per day and can squeeze through a hole 1/4 inch wide. Mice carry many serious diseases.

Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus

The Norway rat is brown and heavy bodied about 6 to 8 inches long, has small eyes and ears and a blunt nose. The tail is shorter than the head and body. Fur is kind of shaggy and droppings are capsule-shaped. The Norway rat nest in underground burrows from which they enter buildings in search of food. They usually remain in hiding during the day. They are omnivorous, but prefer meats. They cannot survive long without water. They can breed any month of the year and usually reach sexual maturity in two months. Litter may number 8 to 12 and females can have 4 to 7 litters per year. It is probably the most common rat in the U.S. and carrier of many serious diseases.

Roof Rat
Rattus rattus

The Roof rat is black or brown about 7 to 10 inches long, has a long tail and large eyes and ears, a pointed nose. The body is a little smaller than the Norway rat and the fur is smooth. It usually nests inside and under buildings or in piles of wood and brush. A very good climber. Can climb straight up a wall that has a textured surface, such as brick. It is also found in upper parts of buildings and homes, such as attics. Becomes sexually mature in 4 months and has 4 to 6 litters per year and 4 to 8 per litter. Lives up to 1 year. Very agile. Can squeeze through openings only 1/2 inch wide. Carries many serious diseases.

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