3 Rodents that Could Leave Your Business at Risk

With millions of rodents roaming the U.S., proactive pest management is more important than ever to keep your business running smoothly. Regardless of your company’s industry, preventing infestations before they begin helps you stay compliant with regulations, protect your reputation, and maintain a clean environment.

Knowing which rodents you may encounter, the damage they can cause, and the best prevention methods will give you the upper hand in keeping them out. Here’s what you should know to stay ahead of potential problems.

Relentless Rodents

Norway rats, Roof rats, and House mice thrive by consuming resources from humans and animals without giving anything in return, a relationship also known as commensalism. Their presence can lead to inventory loss, damage your reputation, and even disrupt business operations.

These adaptable rodents are always on the hunt for their next meal, and will exploit any accessible food source. Whether you operate in food supply, food service, retail, hospitality, or property management, staying alert is crucial to keep them away. Incorporate routine rodent inspections into your daily practices so you can detect early signs and reduce the chances of an infestation.

House Mice

Mice are always on the lookout for food and a cozy nesting spot. Their fur ranges from light brown to dark gray, and they typically measure between 2 to 5 inches long. Since they can squeeze through openings as small as a pencil, sealing even the tiniest gaps is necessary to keep them out.

As nocturnal creatures, mice are most active at night, which can make them difficult to detect during the day. However, signs of their presence you might notice include gnawed baseboards, torn food packaging or cardboard boxes, and droppings. Their droppings are about a quarter inch long, pointed at both ends, and often found in clusters.

While mice can eat a wide variety of foods, they are especially drawn to carbohydrate-rich options like grains, oats, rice, fruits, and seeds. They tend to build nests close to food sources, often settling inside walls near kitchens, pantries, and storage areas.

Steps to deter Mice:

1. Seal any gaps and cracks to block entry points, using steel wool to reinforce openings.
2. Keep the area around your building clear by trimming trees and shrubs to limit contact with the structure.
3. Consistently clean and sanitize kitchens and food prep areas to eliminate potential interest.
4. Store food in airtight containers and keep it elevated off the floor.

The moment you suspect a rodent infestation in your property, it’s time to get expert advice. Reach out today for a professional inspection. 

Norway Rats

Norway rats, also known as brown rats, street rats, or sewer rats, are opportunistic feeders that will eat almost anything they find. They use scent trails to track down food sources, thanks to their keen sense of smell. These rodents can grow up to 11 inches long, have brown or gray fur, and can squeeze through openings as small as ¾ of an inch. Their rapid reproduction rate allows a single female to produce up to five litters per year, causing exponential population growth.

Naturally preferring burrows, Norway rats favor underground spaces, making basements and crawl spaces prime nesting locations if they infiltrate a building.

These rodents can introduce health risks by carrying pathogens that may contaminate food and inventory. Signs of their presence include gnaw marks, greasy trails along frequently traveled paths, and the sound of scurrying behind walls. Their droppings are larger, pellet-shaped, and less numerous than those of mice.

Steps to deter Norway rats: 

1. Repair leaks and dripping faucets to eliminate moisture sources.
2. Keep trash bins clean and ensure dumpsters remain securely closed.
3. Trim overgrown plants around the building to reduce potential hiding places for rats.
4. Store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving it out overnight.

Roof Rats

Roof rats generally prefer to remain outdoors, but their search for food and shelter may lead them inside, especially into attics, rooftops, and chimneys. With their impressive climbing skills, they use tree branches and power lines to reach buildings or slip through gaps as small as a quarter.

These rodents have fur that ranges from light to dark brown and are slightly smaller than Norway rats, growing up to 8 inches in length. They favor seeds and plant-based foods, but are constantly hungry and will eat anything that’s available. Their sharp teeth allow them to gnaw through plastic, soft metals, and other materials to reach food. They’re also known for stashing and hoarding food supplies.

Common indicators of an infestation include gnaw marks, electrical issues caused by chewed wires within walls and ceilings, greasy smudges along frequently traveled paths, and droppings about ½ inch long with pointed ends.

Steps to deter Roof rats:

1. Cut back tree branches to stop rats from reaching the roof and finding entry points into the building.
2. Inspect the roof for any openings or cracks, and seal them completely.
3. Keep food preparation areas clean and store all food in tightly sealed containers.
4. Dispose of trash and waste regularly, making sure dumpsters stay securely closed.

Protect Your Business With Commercial Pest Control

A rodent issue can quickly spiral out of control without expert intervention. Partnering with a pest control professional like Terminix Wil-Kil helps protect your business now, and for the future. A skilled technician will assess your property, determine the rodent species present, and implement targeted strategies for removal and long-term prevention.

The most direct sign of an infestation is spotting a live or dead rodent. If you notice a mouse or rat near your business, don’t wait—contact a pest control specialist right away.

If you’ve seen any signs of rodent activity, get in touch today to schedule a service through our website or by calling (800) 236-8735.