Rodents are some of the most common pests found in St. Louis, elsewhere in Missouri, and across the country. They get into walls and attics, oftentimes chewing and causing damage. Shorted wires from chewing are one of the leading causes of house fires.

Rodents are some of the most common pests found in St. Louis, elsewhere in Missouri, and across the country. They get into walls and attics, oftentimes chewing and causing damage. Shorted wires from chewing are one of the leading causes of house fires. They are also known to carry many different diseases that can be harmful to humans, including Salmonella and Hantavirus.  However, there are several common species of rodents in St. Louis; how do you know which one of the little pests is in your home?

• The House Mouse – The house mouse is the most common of the pest rodents. An adult’s body will range from 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches, with a tail of 2 ¾ to 4 inches. The house mouse can be anywhere from a light gray, to dark gray, to brownish in color, and is usually lighter underneath. The tail is uniform in color.  They generally have small eyes, a pointed muzzle, and short, broad feet.

• The Deer Mouse – Deer mice are so named because they are often colored very similar to that of a deer’s coat. An adult deer mouse will be anywhere from 2 ½ to 4 inches in length, and has a tail of 2 to 5 inches.  Deer mice are generally bi-colored, pale grayish-buff to deep reddish-brown above with a white belly.  The tail is always bi-colored.  They are also characterized by larger ears and eyes than the house mouse. Deer mice are the primary carriers of Hantavirus, the cause of Pulmonary Hantavirus Syndrome.

• The Norway Rat – The Norway rat is the most common species of rat found in Missouri, and throughout the country. They are easily distinguished from mice simply based on their size. An adult has a head and body length of 7 to 10 inches, and a tail of 6 to 8 inches. Their fur is usually brown, with white or gray underneath.  It has a blunt muzzle and small ears and eyes. Rats are also known to carry many different diseases.

If you have a problem with any of these pests, don’t hesitate to call your local St. Louis pest control professionals immediately. Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions has been providing quality pest control services throughout Mid-Missouri since 1956. Contact us today for a free inspection!