Mice and rats may be widespread throughout the U.S., but don’t feel discouraged from keeping your business rodent-free. Regardless of your industry, keeping these pests away is crucial for upholding regulations, retaining your reputation, and protecting your profits.
Understanding the types of rodents you may encounter, the harm they can cause, and the most effective strategies for prevention and control is key to keeping your business rodent-free. Here’s what you need to know.
The Major Offenders
Many rodents, such as Norway rats, Roof rats, and House mice, survive by feeding off of humans and animals while offering nothing beneficial in return. Their presence can result in inventory losses, potential business closures, and harm to your reputation.
As opportunistic feeders, these rodents are always on the hunt for their next meal. No matter your industry, whether it’s food supply, food service, retail, hospitality, or property management, it’s necessary to stay vigilant. Consider adding a check for signs of rodent activity to your daily operations.
House Mice
Mice are constantly searching for food and a cozy place to nest. Their fur color ranges from light brown to dark gray, and they typically measure between 2 to 5 inches in length. With the ability to squeeze through gaps as small as a pencil, sealing even the tiniest openings is required to keep them out.
As nocturnal creatures, mice are most active at night when you and your staff might not be around to spot them. However, you’ll likely notice telltale signs of their presence, such as gnawed baseboards, chewed cardboard boxes or food containers, and droppings. Mouse droppings are about a quarter inch long, pointed at the ends, and often found in clusters.
Although mice will eat nearly anything, they have a preference for carbohydrate-rich foods like grains, oats, rice, fruits, and seeds. They prefer to nest close to their food source, which is why they often settle inside walls near kitchens, pantries, and other areas where food is prepared or stored.
Ways to Prevent Mice:
- Block entry points by sealing holes and cracks, and use steel wool to cover any openings.
- Maintain a clear, vegetation-free zone around your building, and trim trees and shrubs to prevent contact with the structure.
- Regularly clean and disinfect kitchens and food preparation areas.
- Store food in sealed containers and keep them elevated off the floor.
A mouse infestation can have long-term consequences for your business. If you suspect mice have invaded your building, reach out to us as soon as possible.
Norway Rats
Norway rats, also called brown rats, street rats, or sewer rats, are omnivores that will consume almost anything. With an excellent sense of smell, they rely on their noses to locate food. They can grow up to 11 inches in length with brown or gray fur, and some Norway rats can squeeze through openings as small as ¾ of an inch. They also breed quickly, with a single female producing up to five litters per year.
These rats are natural burrowers and prefer to live underground, making basements and crawl spaces ideal nesting spots if they find their way into your business.
Norway rats pose serious risks, as they can carry disease-causing pathogens that contaminate food and inventory. Keep an eye out for signs such as gnaw marks, greasy-looking trails found on frequent travel paths, and the sound of scurrying. Their droppings are larger, shaped like pellets, and less abundant compared to those of mice.
Ways to prevent Norway rats
- Fix leaks and repair dripping faucets to remove sources of moisture.
- Keep trash bins clean and ensure dumpsters are properly sealed.
- Trim back vegetation around the building to prevent rats from finding hidden burrowing spots.
- Avoid leaving food exposed, especially overnight.
Roof Rats
Roof rats are often found outdoors, but their search for food and shelter can lead them inside your business, especially in attics, roofs, and chimneys. As expert climbers, they easily navigate from tree branches or power lines onto rooftops and can slip inside openings as small as a quarter.
With fur ranging from light to dark brown, roof rats are slightly smaller than Norway rats, growing up to 8 inches long. Although they prefer seeds and plant-based foods, they are opportunistic eaters and will consume almost anything they find. Their strong teeth allow them to chew through materials like plastic, soft metals, and other barriers to access food. Known for their foraging habits, roof rats often stash and hoard food for future use.
Signs of an infestation include gnaw marks, electrical problems caused by rats chewing on wires within walls and ceilings, greasy rub marks along frequently traveled paths, and droppings that are about ½ an inch long with pointed ends.
Ways to prevent Roof rats
- Trim tree branches away from the roof to reduce access points for rats.
- Check the roof for any gaps or openings and seal them properly.
- Maintain cleanliness in food areas and store food in tightly sealed containers.
- Regularly remove trash and waste, ensuring dumpsters remain securely closed.
What to Do If You Suspect Rodents
A rodent problem can escalate quickly without the right approach. That’s why partnering with a pest control professional like Gregory Pest Solutions is a wise investment in your business’s well-being. A trained technician will assess your property, identify the specific rodent species, and recommend the most effective solutions for both removal and long-term prevention.
While there are many indicators of a rodent infestation, the most obvious is spotting a live or dead rodent. If you see a mouse or rat in or around your business, don’t take chances—contact a pest control expert right away.
Have you noticed any warning signs within your buildings? Contact us now to schedule a service before it gets worse.