More than 2,200 species of rodents exist around the world. In Canada, four types of rodents cause the most problems for homes and businesses:
Norway Rat – This large rat also is called a brown rat or sewer rat. On average, it measures about 16 inches (41 cm) long from nose to tail end and weighs about 12 ounces (340 grams). Its body is longer than its tail. The Norway rat mostly lives outdoors in burrows in the ground, which may be found along foundations, in dense landscaping and vegetation, and in gardens. They get into buildings through cracks, gaps and old sewer lines and by chewing through wood, plastic and concrete.
A Norway Rat burrow outside of a home
Roof Rat – This rat also is called a black rat or house rat. On average it weighs 8 to 12 ounces (226 to 340 grams) and measures 16 inches (41 cm) long from nose to tail end. The tail is longer than its body. Compared to the Norway rat, it is a sleek, small rat. Mostly found in coastal areas, the roof rat may be migrating inland. The roof rat is an excellent climber and nests in trees, tall shrubs, ivy growing on buildings, attics, soffits, and ceilings. It travels along tree branches and aerial wires and cables. The rat gets into buildings through gaps and holes; it chews holes in wood soffits and eaves.
House Mouse – The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in Canada. It is light brown to nearly black in colour and is 5 to 8 inches (127 to 206 cm) long from nose to tail end. Its tail and body are equally long. The average house mouse weighs 0.5 to 1.0 ounce (14 to 28 grams). A female house mouse can have 42 to 60 baby mice in one year. In severe mice infestations, the number of house mice can be in the thousands.
Deer Mouse – Also called the white-footed mouse, the deer mouse is brown in colour with a white underbelly and feet. It is 5 to 8 inches (127 to 206 cm) long from nose to tail end. The mouse mostly lives outdoors but in fall and winter it may seek warmer shelter indoors, such as in attics, basements, furniture and wall voids. Deer mice mostly are a problem in rural areas, communities near natural habitats, and cottage country. They are a common carrier of hantavirus, which causes pulmonary disease.
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