The Commensal Rodents
RATS Rattus
The most common rodents (rats & mice) our residents encounter are, what is referred to as, commensal rodents. These rodents have become dependent on humans for survival. They are not native to the states, but have become well established here. There are three types of commensal rodents: the roof rat, house mouse, and the norway rat. Rodents are normally nocturnal and of various sizes with long tails. Typically the rat is distinguished from a mouse by size. In general, the larger of the two is frequently referred to as a rat while the smaller referred to as a mouse. However, scientifically, these two terms are not specific.
Rats are frequently blamed for damaging food and other goods but most importantly rats are considered to be established vectors because of their ability to carry viruses and bacteria in their systems and are known to carry and transmit disease. Rodents have the ability to carry many different pathogens that transmit disease including: plague, rat bite fever, crytosporidiosis, hantavirus, Q fever, and much more. Different species of rats can hosts different pathogens such as the deer mouse is known to spread Hantavirus and the black rat is known for the plague. Common signs you have rodent infestation are: hollowed snail shells under bushes &/ nesting sites, chewed citrus fruit near or on trees, greasy marks caused by the oils in fur along corners &/ beams of buildings or fences, and by droppings left in frequently traveled areas.
MANAGEMENT
Good sanitation is effective toward rodent control but will not eliminate rats under every condition, The presence of garbage, available food, and water helps rodents to thrive and because rodents are “creatures of habit”, as long as what they need to survive is being met, they will stay.There are several different means of rodent control the most efficient is rodent proofing your home by making sure all openings ¼ inches or larger are sealed. This includes openings where utilities conduits enter buildings, windows, screens, and doors are sealed tightly. Bulk pet food should be stored in containers with tight fitting lids. If rodent proofing does not eliminate the problem there are other methods, which include trapping by either a baited snap trap or by glue boards. Traps should be placed along walls where rodent activity seems highest. Another method of control is rodenticides (poisoned bait) these can be purchased wherever pesticides are sold. Do not purchase baits that look “homemade” or with incomplete labeling. There are several advantages & disadvantages to all methods of control and is up for individual digression. If the problem continues call a licensed professional to aid in rodent control.
DEER MOUSE Mus musculus Peromyscus &
WHITE FOOTED MOUSE P. leucopus
INTRODUCTION:
P. leucopus
A problem caused by deer and white-footed mice is their tendency to enter human living quarters and/or work environments. They will store food, build nest, and can cause substantial damage to peoples’ belongings (ie: clothing, mattresses, and any other objects suitable for nesting). White-footed and Deer mice are unusual to suburban or urban living unless there is a significant amount of open space nearby. Droppings and nesting evidence by both deer & white-footed mice are similar to what’s left behind by the house mice. Unlike the house mouse, deer and White-footed mice tend to hoard their food supplies.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Both species are similar in appearance. They have lower white extremities with scantly furred prominent thin ears, bulging black eyes, and course whiskers. The average size deer mouse is 184 mm (7.2 in) in length and weighs 21 g (0.7 oz). Deer mice are proficient runners and jumpers compared to the house mouse.
DISEASE:
In biology a vector is commonly known as an organism that transmits a pathogen from a reservoir to host. Deer mice are considered a vector because of the ability to transmit disease most commonly known as the primary carrier of Hantavirus and bubonic plague.
RISK:
The Deer mouse (P. maniculatus) was first associated as a reservoir for a type of hantavirus accountable for adult respiratory distress syndrome that lead to multiple deaths in the four-corners area of the United States in mid-1993. The source of human disease is through inhalation with contaminated mice feces, urine, &/ salvia from infected rodents. To safe guard against Hantavirus is to assume that all rodent bedding and droppings are infected. Complete & proper disposal is necessary.
NORWAY RAT Rattus Norvegicus 
R. norvegicus
One of the largest most common rat that goes by several different names: Norway, brown, common, wharf, or sewer rat. This rat can be brown or gray and approximately 25cm (10in) long with a tail that is shorter than its body, weighing from 250g to 350g. This rat lives wherever humans live especially in urban areas.
HOUSE MOUSE M. Musculus 
M. musculus
House mice are approximately 7.5 to 10 cm (3.0 to 3.9 in) long not including the tail, about 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) long, and usually weighs from 10 to 25 g (0.4 to 0.9 oz). They are typically light brown to black or white to grey in color with very little hair on their tail and ears. House mice have a vertical jump up to 45 cm (18 in). Their droppings have a strong musty like smell, are blackish in color, andabout 3mm (0.12 in) long. These mice have the ability to survive in an array of conditions and are found in or around homes, open fields, and commercial property. Like it close relatives the house mouse is also known to cause considerable damage to property, contaminate food, and transmit disease causing pathogens &/ parasites
KANGAROO RAT 
genus Aepyprymnus known as rat kangaroos
Kangaroo rats are small rodents that move bipedally (main transportation is with two legs), can jump vertically 7 to 8 feet, and can rapidly change direction minimizing predation and energy cost. Kangaroo rats have massive heads compared to their body, large hindquarters and small front extremities. They weigh approximately 128g (4.5 oz) , average about 8 to 14 cm (3.5 to 5.5 in) long and their tail can reach 16 cm (6.5 in) in length
ROOF RAT R.rattus
R. rattusMore commonly known as the black rat it ranges from black to light brown in color and is estimated to be 46.cm (18.25 in) long with a tail approximately 17 to 25 cm (6.5 to 10 in) length, and weighs about 110g to 340g (4 to 12 oz). This rat is a tree dweller by nature due to its excellent ability to climb. The black rat is typically prone to pine trees and palm trees building large nest among the branches. When residing inside a building they well typically build their nest in a hole/cavity above the ceiling or beneath floorboards.
RODENT CLEAN-UP
Rodents are reservoirs for various different pathogens that cause disease. Some pathogens can be transmitted through inhalation of contaminated feces, urine, &/or salvia from infected rodents. To safe guard against rodent to human disease assume that all rodent bedding and droppings are infected.
Complete & proper disposal DO NOT stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming up nesting materials, droppings, or urine.
- Wear rubber, vinyl, or latex gloves
- Spray area in question with either a disinfectant or mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and let contaminated area soak for 5 minutes. If using disinfectant, follow the manufactures instructions on the label for disinfectant time and dilution.
- Use a paper towel to pick up disinfected droppings, urine, & nesting and immediately dispose of in the garbage
- When all rodent droppings and urine have been removed, disinfect all possible contaminated items. http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/index.html
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a norway rat
West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District