House Mouse
Appearance
Small rodent with little to no hair on the tail
Color
White, grey, light brown or even black
Size
3 - 4 inches
Habitat
Human dwellings as well as fields and agricultural land
Interesting Facts
The house mouse is the most genetically altered mammal in the world
House mice have lived with and around humans for thousands of years. By 1000 BC they were spread across all of Asian and Europe, and shortly after that they made themselves a world-wide species. They have also become invasive species on many smaller islands, where they often destroy entire species of insects and lizards that they eat for food.
As pests the house mouse is most renowned for spreading diseases and destroying food stuffs and packaging. Their urine and droppings has also been known to cause late onset asthma and even hair loss in some cases.
Mice can generally be dealt with using a combination of physical traps and poisons. Maintaining a sanitized building, especially in the food industry, is the first step to keeping a mouse free building. There are also construction steps that can be taken to eliminate all openings and cracks through which they may enter a structure.
Roof Rat
Appearance
Pointed snout, large eyes, slender rear and a tail that is longer than the length of its body
Color
Black to light brown with a lighter underside
Size
12 – 18 inches, including a 6 – 10 inch tail
Habitat
Ranging from urban areas to barns and crop fields
Interesting Facts
The Roof rat is also known as the black rat, misleading as it is found in a range of browns, as well
About the Roof Rat
The roof rat’s ability to live almost anywhere has allowed it to spread all over the world without much competition.
Roof rats are known as generalists, meaning they have almost no preference as to what they will eat. This is a large reason they are so adaptable, as well as the fact they reproduce rapidly; can fit and build nests in small spaces; and they also have a relatively long lifespan.
Roof Rat Control
The roof rat often destroys native species when it gets to a new habitat, which is one of the largest reasons for its status as a pest. While traditional methods can be used to exterminate the populations, newer pest control methods and procedures have proved to be very successful.
Strategic Industries has years of experience dealing with rat and mouse infestations, and unfortunately, they are common throughout the Southeast. Our processes are safe and effective for businesses of all sizes.
Norway Rat
Appearance
A larger rodent with very coarse fur; the tail is approximately as long as the body
Color
Brown or dark grey with a lighter underbelly
Size
Body 10 inches, tail 10 inches
Habitat
In urban environments they usually live among humans; in rural areas they prefer damp environments
Interesting Facts
Norway rats are very social animals; they often groom one another and sleep together
About the Norway Rat
Norway rats are the most common rats in cities in the United States. When living around humans in cities, rats prefer to stay out of site in the sewers, the walls of older buildings and alleyways.
Norway rats are widely known to carry a variety of diseases, ranging from rat bite fever to Weil’s disease. Since they are so often in close quarters with humans, this has made them become one of the most despised pests in the United States. They also rapidly reproduce and have a very diverse diet, making them quite adaptable.
Norway Rat Control
Ensure your facility or office is properly sealed, and make habitation unappealing by keeping the indoors sanitary and clutter free. Ensure the outdoors are tidy, and keep woodpiles covered.
Because they are vectors of disease, and because their chewing can cause significant damage, we recommend calling us at Strategic Industries if you notice signs of rats. We’ll provide you a thorough inspection to evaluate your pest problem before offering you the best pest control options on the market.