3 Common Types of Rodents in Texas (Updated for 2023)
Texas is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including an impressive assortment of rodents. These creatures can be found in various habitats across the state, from the sprawling deserts to the lush forests. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of rodents found in Texas, their unique characteristics, and the roles they play in the ecosystem. Here are some of the most common types of rodents in Texas to look out for on your property!
1. House Mice In Texas:
House Mice (Mus musculus) are a common sight in Texas, often taking up residence in homes and other structures. These small rodents have a gray or brown fur, with lighter-colored underbellies, and can range in size from 2.5 to 4 inches in body length, excluding their tails. House Mice have large, rounded ears, small black eyes, and a long, thin tail covered in fine hairs. These characteristics make them easily distinguishable from other rodents found in Texas.
Texas homeowners should be aware of the habits and potential risks associated with House Mice. These rodents are nocturnal and prefer to live in dark, hidden spaces, such as wall cavities, attics, or behind appliances. House Mice are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly, which can lead to a significant infestation in a short period. They are omnivorous and will consume a variety of food sources, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and insects. However, they are particularly attracted to high-calorie foods, such as nuts, seeds, and sweets. House Mice can cause damage to homes by gnawing on wood, electrical wiring, insulation, and other materials. Additionally, they can spread diseases and contaminate food sources with their droppings and urine. To protect their homes from House Mice, Texas homeowners should ensure that potential entry points are sealed, food is securely stored, and look out for any signs of house mice around their home and property!
2. Deer Mice In Texas:
Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are another type of rodent that can be found throughout Texas. They are small in size, measuring between 2.8 to 4 inches in body length, excluding their tails, which are typically as long as their bodies. Deer Mice have a distinct appearance, with a reddish-brown fur on their backs and white fur on their bellies and legs. Their large ears, dark eyes, and bi-colored tail, which is dark on the top and white on the bottom, further distinguish them from other rodents in the region.
Texas homeowners should be aware of the habits and potential risks associated with Deer Mice. Like House Mice, they are nocturnal and seek out sheltered spaces, such as attics, crawl spaces, and sheds. Deer Mice are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources, including seeds, fruits, insects, and fungi. While they may not reproduce as rapidly as House Mice, they can still cause damage to homes by gnawing on materials and contaminating food sources. More significantly, Deer Mice are carriers of the hantavirus, a potentially deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans through contact with the rodents' urine, droppings, or saliva. To safeguard their homes from Deer Mice, Texas homeowners should take measures similar to those used for House Mice: sealing entry points, securely tighten garbage cans and pet food, and look out for the signs of deer mice!
3. Norway Rats In Texas:
Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus), also known as brown rats or sewer rats, are a common rodent species in Texas. They are larger than House Mice and Deer Mice, with a body length ranging from 7 to 10 inches, excluding their tails, which are shorter than their bodies. Norway Rats have a robust build, a blunt snout, small ears, and coarse brown or gray fur. Their tails are thick and scaly, with a dark color that gradually lightens toward the base.
Texas homeowners should be informed about the habits and potential risks associated with Norway Rats. These rodents are primarily nocturnal and are known for their excellent burrowing and climbing abilities. They often establish their nests in underground burrows, basements, crawl spaces, and even in the walls of buildings. Norway Rats are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of food sources, including grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, and even other rodents. They can cause extensive property damage by gnawing on wood, insulation, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Additionally, Norway Rats are known carriers of various diseases, such as salmonella, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever, which can pose serious health risks to humans. To protect their homes from Norway Rats, Texas, homeowners should make their home look unattractive for rats. This includes securing storing food and garbage, sealing all holes and gaps, cleaning up your yard and around your property, and keep your home as tity as possible.
4. Roof Rats In Texas:
Roof Rats (Rattus rattus), also known as black rats or ship rats, are another rodent species that can be found in Texas. They are smaller than Norway Rats, with a body length of 6 to 8 inches, excluding their tails, which are longer than their bodies. Roof Rats have a sleek and slender build, a pointed snout, large ears, and smooth black or brown fur. Their tails are thin and scaly, with a uniform dark color throughout.
Texas homeowners should be familiar with the habits and potential risks associated with Roof Rats. These rodents are nocturnal and have a strong preference for elevated spaces, such as attics, roofs, trees, and the upper levels of buildings. Roof Rats are excellent climbers and can easily gain access to homes through overhanging branches, utility lines, or gaps in the roofline. They are omnivorous, consuming a variety of food sources, including fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and insects. Roof Rats can cause significant property damage by gnawing on wood, insulation, electrical wiring, and other building materials. Like Norway Rats, Roof Rats can carry numerous diseases, such as typhus, salmonella, and leptospirosis, which can pose health risks to humans. To protect their homes from Roof Rats, Texas homeowners should trim trees and shrubs away from their homes, seal any potential entry points, and securely store food sources.
Protecting Your Texas Property From Rodents:
As we've covered above there are quite a few different types of common rodents in Texas, and because of this homeowners need to be on the lookout since rodents can introduce damage and disease to your family and home, you need to be ready! Thankfully with our rodent control services, you can easily protect your family and home from destructive rodents!
If you need rodent control in Conroe, or other areas in Texas, EnviroCon is here to help!