What Are Rodents?

Rodents make up the largest group of mammals. All rodents have continuously growing front incisors. These pests are adaptable and have the potential to successfully live in almost any indoor or outdoor environment. Rodents will take advantage of any food, water, and shelter sources they find, and can become a problem any time of the year. Some examples of common rodents found here in North Carolina include house mice, field mice, and rats.

Types of Rodents Found in North Carolina

House Mice

House mice have small, slender bodies that grow to between 2 ½ and 3 ¾ of an inch in length. Their tails are about 3 to 4 inches in length. Their tails and large ears are covered in a light layer of velvety fur. Their fur is usually grayish-brown, dark gray, or black in color. Their underbellies are lighter in color than the rest of their body.

Field Mice

Field mice are gray or tawny brown in color, and their underbellies are covered in white hairs that extend behind their tail. They also have lighter colored or white feet. Field mice have short tails that are about the same length as their bodies. From nose to tail, adult mice grow to between 5 and 8 inches in length. Field mice have large, dark eyes, and thin, prominent ears.

Rats

Adults rats are much larger than mice. From their nose to the tip of their tails, rats can grow up to 12 to 16 inches in length. Their fur ranges from light brown to dark brown, and their underbellies are lighter in color. Unlike mice, rats' tails and ears are usually void of hair. Depending on their species, their bodies may have a heavy or light build.