What types of Rodents to look out for in Canada?

When we hear about household pests, the first thing that might come into our mind may be a rat. Rats have been notorious in infesting various households, breeding fast and destroying whatever gets in their way. You may be on the lookout for this nuisance wildlife but did you know that there are other animals that belong to the same order Rodentia and can cause the same havoc?

Rodents are mammals that  are characterized by their prominent growing front teeth or incisors in their upper and lower jaws. They comprise the biggest percentage among mammals, attributing to almost 40% of the population. Other notable characteristics of rodents are short limbs, small bodies and long tails.

Here is a list of the most common rodents that infest Canadian homes.

1. Gray squirrel. Scientifically known as Sciurus carolinensis, the Eastern gray squirrel is a close relative of your common house rat. This specie is native to the Americas and to some European areas. The gray squirrel often forages for food; it will hoard food from your bird feeders or if you feed your pets outside. It can also chew and do damage to insulation and wiring.
2. Red squirrels. The American red squirrel also referred to as pine squirrels are common in Canada. Red squirrels are omnivores but their diet mainly consists of seeds and nuts.
3. Mice. Characterized with their small round ears and long hairy tail, this rodent breeds fast and can be a big headache to homeowners in no time. Mice inside your home will invade your food and make it their own breeding ground.
4. Rats. Unlike your house mouse, rats are can grow large. Their tails are hairless and scaly and similar to their smaller counterparts, and can infest your house in great numbers in a short amount of time.

These rodents are not only a nuisance because they will invade your food but most importantly, they carry with them several diseases that can put your family’s health in danger. The most common Zoonotic disease associated with rodents is Leptospirosis; and this is just one of the many health hazards they bring inside your home.

Moreover, because of their large incisor teeth, they have the constant need to gnaw and this could pose as a safety risk especially when they find their way to your insulation materials and more so, your electrical wires.

If you happen to find a rodent scurrying around your property, the best way to deal with the situation is to call on professional rodent control services like the one offered by Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle wildlife technicians have removed rodents like house mice from many Canadian homes for more than twenty-seven years. With their expertise in the field, you can rest knowing that they have removed these buck-toothed wildlife in every nook and cranny of your home and you are free from the safety and health hazards they bring.