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Rodents make up about 40% of all mammal species, which equates to 1,500 different types of animals. This class of creatures includes rats, mice, beavers, porcupines, squirrels, guinea pigs, gophers, and hamsters.
Rodents are believed to have been on earth for more than 50 million years. They live on all continents except Antarctica and are distinguished by their incisor teeth, which continue to grow throughout their lifetime.
Rodents range in size from a few inches to many feet and from one ounce to 150 pounds, depending on species. Their unifying feature is their teeth: sharp, curved incisors that are optimized for gnawing and chewing. These incisors never stop growing, so rodents must continuously find ways to wear them down. Rats and mice are capable of six bites each second, and they can gnaw through concrete and metal. In general, rodents have highly-developed senses of vision, smell, and hearing. Some also have whiskers that are used to enhance their ability to feel their surroundings.
Common rodents like rats and mice have a maximum lifespan of 5 years, while marmots, chinchillas, and chipmunks may live 10-15 years. A single mouse can produce more than 50 offspring annually and is capable of becoming pregnant again just 24 hours after giving birth.
Traits of rodents vary widely based on type, locale, and size. However, most rodents can swim; rats are able to tread water for up to three days! Rodents are also good jumpers, climbers, and burrowers. Mice can contort their bodies to squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
Rodents are also smart creatures. For example, rats can be trained to perform tricks and mice remember paths they took.
Rodents can be herbivores (eating plant-based diets), predators (seeking out insects and other animals), or omnivores (eating almost anything). Common rodents like rats and mice will eat paper, wiring, drywall, and wood, along with human and pet food.
Rodents can be active both day and night. Rats and mice are generally nocturnal, avoiding people, while squirrels are prevalent in the daytime.
Rodents can live outside in underground burrows, trees, crevices between rocks, and in vegetation. They may also take us residence inside homes and other structures. They are mammals, which means they will seek warmth when temperatures are low.
Non-domesticated rodents can pose a risk to people and pets. Rats and mice transmit at least 35 diseases including Lyme Disease, salmonella, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever. Rodents can also be destructive to property and, if provoked, attack animals and humans.
Do-it-yourself baits and traps may attract rodent intruders. However, if not properly administered, they can also be harmful to people and pets. A pest control professional can evaluate your property to determine how to best prevent and treat pesky rodents.
Rodents are most harmful when they find their way into your home. Preventative measures you can take to keep your home free of rodents include: