You have likely seen rodent activity in or around your home if you live in Portland. But not all rodents are the same, and for successful pest management, you must determine the exact kind of rodent you are dealing with. Continue to learn more about the common rodent species present in Portland and their habits in this post.
- Roof Rats
Roof rats, who first appeared in Southeast Asia, got their nickname from their penchant for scaling tall buildings. Without their tails, roof rats can reach lengths of six to eight inches. They have extremely poor vision and are colorblind. They do, however, possess incredibly keen perceptions of taste, touch, smell, and hearing.
- Deer Mouse
Unlike their urban counterparts, deer mice are native to North America and are commonly found in Portland’s natural areas, including forests, fields, and parks. These nocturnal rodents are named for their resemblance to deer, with large eyes and a long, slender tail. Deer mice primarily feed on seeds, nuts, and insects, and play an important role in ecosystem dynamics as seed dispersers and prey for predators like owls and foxes. While deer mice are generally shy and elusive, they can occasionally find their way into human dwellings, where they may pose a risk of transmitting hantavirus through their droppings.
- Voles:
Voles are a sort of rodent that is more closely related to hamsters, yet you probably know them as field or meadow mice. Voles dig tunnels for resting, hiding, and building nests. They weave nests of grass in burrows or beneath logs. They favor habitats in grasslands or open forests, as their name implies. Voles are dietary generalists, which means they will eat a wide variety of foods, just like the majority of rodents in Portland. Grass, flowers, crops, and garden plants are typical dietary sources.
- House Mice
30 out of 36 counties in Oregon are home to the house mouse, the smallest member of the subfamily. Their features include long, scaly tails, huge, membrane-covered ears, and short, rough pelage that might be lighter brown or buffy ventrally and nearly black or grayish brown dorsally. They typically hide behind or beneath objects in barns, warehouses, and other structures during the day and are most active at night. House mice come in a variety of hues, such as spotted and albino.
- Norway Rats
The Norway rat, the largest subfamily member in Oregon, is found worldwide. This large-framed rat has a dirty white to yellowish gray ventral coat and a coarse, grizzled brownish to rusty gray dorsal coat. Its head and body are longer than its tail, which is sparsely hairy and scaly, and its ears are membranous and have light fur. Norway rats live in homes, warehouses, shops, sewers, and other structures that offer them shelter and a nearby food source. They are almost always found close to human activities.
For both homeowners and business owners in Portland, rodent infestations may be a serious issue. It is crucial to defend your house or place of business against harm and health risks