Visitors are normally welcome in the fall, but you don’t want uninvited furry, rodent visitors. How can you tell the difference between a mouse, rat, mole, and vole? Read on for a guide to the rodents you may find on Long Island.
Rats
On Long Island, the vermin from the rat family that you will most commonly find is the Norway rat – which is also known as the water rat and sewer rat. Yes, as those latter two names indicate, they can swim.
This species arrived in America in the 1700s on ships. The Nassau County Department of Health says that Long Island may have just as many rats as the city; they can just hide more easily in the suburbs. Rats are easy to distinguish from mice because they’re bigger, 7-9 ½ inches long. Sometimes also called brown rats, they sometimes have a scattering of black hairs among the brown fur on their backs and commonly have a white to gray underside.
Contrary to popular belief, rats are not nocturnal. They can be active any time of day, but they have poor eyesight, so they frequently like the nighttime when it is quiet, and fewer humans are active to get in their way.
Mice
House Mice
When you see mice in pop culture, house mice are usually the version depicted. Only 2 ½-3 ¾ inches long, their fur varies from light brown to dark gray with white bellies. Their bodies are round with long tails (about 2.75 to 4 inches long) and large ears.
House mice are prolific breeders. One female can have up to six babies every three weeks, producing as many as 35 young per year.
Deer mice/White-Footed Mice
Deer mice, also called white-footed mice, are typically found on farms or in rural areas so they are more common in those parts of Long Island. They can also be found in sheds and vacation homes.
Deer mice are larger than house mice (5-7 inches long). Their fur is brown, and they have a white underbelly and feet. Like house mice, they have round bodies and large, round ears. Deer mice are often carriers of Hantavirus, which can make them dangerous.
Voles
Voles are small rodents that look like field mice at first or possibly hamsters. Voles have thick gray or light brown fur with small eyes and short tails. Unlike mice, they have small, rounded ears, and fur often covers them, making them difficult to notice.
While voles are not related to moles at all, both creatures tunnel which can cause problems in your yard. Voles eat grass and stems of plants, so their tunnels tend to be closer to the surface than that of moles – but they are still a pest if they enter your property.
Moles
Moles are not rodents, but these mammals are commonly mistaken for rodents, so we are including them here for convenience.
Moles have long bodies with oversized front paws for digging through dirt. Their dark fur is dense and short, almost like velvet. Nearly blind, their eyes and ears are small, but their nose is large and pointed. However, since moles burrow underground, you might see signs of their tunnels before you see the mole.
Signs of a Mole in your Yard:
- Discolored or dead grass in a line or following a path.
- Mounds of dirt that are mole tunnel entrances.
- Raised ridges across your lawn.
- Parts of your lawn feel “squishy.”
As insectivores, moles could be an asset to homeowners if it weren’t for their burrows. Those tunnels can wreak havoc on your property and could cause injuries from stepping into holes or having the ground collapse under you. The burrowing can destroy the root system of other plants and shrubs. Also, other creatures (like rats and mice) could seek shelter in the holes left behind by moles, causing other infestations.
Rodent Control FAQs
How Do Rodents Get into My Home or Apartment?
Rodents get indoors through small cracks or holes (in the walls, ceilings, or foundations), open doors or windows, and along utility lines or pipes.
What Are the Signs of a Rodent Infestation?
- Droppings (small, dark pellets)
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or electrical wires
- Nests made of paper, insulation, or other materials
- A musty odor
- Hearing scratching or squeaking noises
Can Rodents Climb Walls?
Yes, some rats and mice are excellent climbers and can easily scale walls.
Are Rodents Dangerous to My Health?
Yes, rodents can carry and spread diseases, including:
- Hantavirus
- Salmonella
- Leptospirosis
- Plague
Can I Handle a Rodent Infestation Myself?
While it’s possible to try to eliminate a rodent infestation yourself, it’s often more effective and safer to hire professional rodent exterminators.
Traps, poison, and essential oils (such as peppermint and eucalyptus) can be effective, but they can also be dangerous to pets and humans. Also, releasing rodents in a different location may simply spread the problem. It’s important to use any chemicals carefully and according to label instructions.
What Should I Do if I Have a Rodent Infestation?
Contact a professional pest control company like Arrow Exterminating. We’re your best chance at eliminating infestations and preventing future pest issues.
Arrow Exterminating Is the Rodent Experts
If you have a rodent problem, call in the professionals at Arrow Exterminating. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you live in a critter-free environment. To get started, contact us today! Just give us a call or fill out our service request form here.
