Common rodents in Arizona

From coyotes, Gila monsters, and rattlesnakes in the desert, to elk, wild turkeys, and bears in the mountains, Arizona has a wide range of wildlife species. When you live in the Phoenix area, you’re unlikely to encounter most of these. However, you do have a good chance of seeing common rodents that could become a pest problem in your home. Find out more about different species of common rodents in the Phoenix area.

House Mice

House mice are small rodents with grayish or brownish fur, large ears, and thin tails. They tend to come out at night to search for food. The nighttime noise can make them a nuisance for homeowners. House mice are common rodents that can get into pantries and contaminate food.

House mice carry diseases, including salmonella, Hantavirus, tapeworms, and plague, that can cause serious illness. They usually spread disease through their droppings. They can also transmit diseases through their bites.

House mice can sneak in a tiny opening. Once they get in, they can build nests inside your walls. If you notice a hole in your home, be sure to repair it, no matter how small.

Roof Rats

Roof rats are common rodents in Arizona; although they’ve only been here since the early 2000s. They have black fur with a lighter belly and can grow up to eight inches long. Roof rats also have tails that are long and hairless. These rats typically stay in an elevated area, such as rafters and trees. They come out at night to forage for food.

Roof rats can transmit diseases, including salmonella, rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, and plague. They can also cause damage to your home by chewing on wiring, ruining insulation, and destroying food.

Norway Rats

Norway rats are bigger than roof rats and house mice. In fact, these common rodents can grow to be 10 inches long. They have hairless tails that are shorter than their bodies and grayish-brown fur. Norway rats can jump far and generally come out at night to look for food. Like the other common rodents, Norway rats spread diseases, including Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and plague.

These common rodents tend to build nests underground, but some make their way into residential buildings. Norway rats have strong teeth for gnawing and can ruin wiring, cement, insulation, and other materials. In some cases, they can cause structural damage in homes in addition to spreading diseases.

Pack Rats

Pack rats, or woodrats, are common rodents that are roughly the same size as roof rats. Unlike other rat species, they have fur on their tails and a white belly and feet. Pack rats usually make their home in areas with desert plants, such as juniper. However, some end up nesting in home attics.

Pack rats are considered a health hazard since they typically have storage areas that are filled with droppings and urine. Exposure to these areas puts people and pets at risk of catching certain diseases. These common rodents can also chew through wiring, causing fire hazards. Some also steal plants and produce from gardens.

Since some common rodents can spread diseases, rodent infestations have to be handled carefully. If you have a rodent problem in your Phoenix home, let the professionals at Budget Brothers take care of it for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services.