The 4 Most Common Types of Rodents in North Carolina
North Carolina’s warm, humid climate and abundant outdoor spaces make it an ideal home for a variety of rodents, including both rats and mice. Whether you're living in a city like Charlotte or Raleigh, or in a more rural area, knowing the types of rodents you may encounter can help you take the right steps to protect your home. In this blog, we’ll dive into the most common types of rats and mice found in North Carolina and offer tips on how to manage or prevent infestations.
The Most Common Rats in NC
The two most common species of rats found in North Carolina are the Norway Rat (Brown Rat) and the Roof Rat (Black Rat).
Norway Rat (Brown Rat)
The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat, is one of the most common rat species found in North Carolina. These rats are larger, with an average body length of 7-9 inches, plus a tail of around 6-8 inches. They have a heavy, stocky build and are typically brown or gray in color with a lighter belly.
Where to Find Them: Norway rats prefer to live in burrows or nests near food and water sources. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, sewer systems, or even in garbage piles. In North Carolina’s cities and suburban areas, these rats thrive near dumpsters, old buildings, or areas with lots of vegetation.
Signs of an Infestation:
- Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or pipes
- Dark, greasy streaks along walls (from their fur rubbing against surfaces)
- Droppings (which are larger and blunt-ended compared to mice)
- Noises in the walls at night (they are nocturnal)
How to Prevent and Control Norway Rats:
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors
- Keep your home clean, especially the kitchen and trash areas
- Remove outdoor food sources like pet food, birdseed, and compost piles
- Consider professional pest control services to handle a larger infestation
Roof Rat (Black Rat)
Roof rats, also known as black rats, are smaller than Norway rats but can still pose a significant threat to your home. They typically have sleek bodies and long tails. Their fur is usually black or dark brown, with a lighter belly. Roof rats are agile climbers and can often be found in attics, rafters, or high-up areas within buildings.
Where to Find Them: Roof rats prefer elevated areas, so they're often found in the attic, roofs, or upper stories of buildings in North Carolina. In urban areas, they can often be seen in trees, utility poles, and abandoned buildings. These rats are especially common in coastal areas like Wilmington, where they are drawn to seaports and shipping facilities.
Signs of an Infestation:
- Scratching or scampering noises in the attic or ceiling
- Chewed wires, insulation, or stored items
- Fecal droppings about the size of a rice grain
- Urine stains, which can emit a strong odor
How to Prevent and Control Roof Rats:
- Inspect and seal openings in the roof, vents, and around windows
- Trim trees and shrubs back from your house to prevent easy access to the roof
- Secure food sources and avoid leaving food in the open
- Use traps or contact pest control services for more severe infestations
The Most Common Mice in NC
The two most common species of mice found in North Carolina are the House Mouse and the Deer Mouse.
House Mouse
House mice are the most common type of mouse found in homes across North Carolina. These mice are small, typically 2.5-4 inches long, with a light gray or brown color and large ears. Their tiny size allows them to squeeze into small spaces, making them a challenge to control.
Where to Find Them: House mice are often found in wall cavities, basements, and attics. They love nesting in warm, quiet areas close to food sources, and they can enter your home through gaps as small as a quarter of an inch. In cities like Charlotte or Raleigh, they are particularly common in apartments and older homes with many entry points.
Signs of an Infestation:
- Small, round droppings (about the size of a rice grain)
- Noises in the walls or ceilings, especially at night
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or other materials
- Nests made from shredded paper, insulation, and fabric
How to Prevent and Control House Mice:
- Seal all cracks and holes around doors, windows, pipes, and vents
- Keep food stored in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills promptly
- Use traps or baits, and if the problem persists, call a professional pest control service
Deer Mouse
Deer mice are found throughout North Carolina, especially in rural and wooded areas. They are larger than house mice and typically have a more distinct coloration with a gray or light brown body and white underbelly and feet. Deer mice can carry diseases such as Hantavirus, so they should be handled with care.
Where to Find Them: Deer mice often prefer rural and wooded areas, but they will also make their way into homes in search of food, especially in the fall and winter months. They typically nest in attics, basements, or other hidden spaces in homes surrounded by forests, like those near the Smoky Mountains.
Signs of an Infestation:
- A noticeable increase in droppings around food storage or areas of the home
- Small, shredded nesting materials in hidden spaces
- Scratching or rustling noises in walls or ceilings
- A strong, musky odor from urine and nesting materials
How to Prevent and Control Deer Mice:
- Seal up entry points, especially around areas where you may have wood piles, leaves, or other natural debris
- Keep your home well-ventilated and reduce moisture, which attracts rodents
- Safely remove nests or droppings, and disinfect any contaminated areas
Protecting Your Home From Rodents
Rodents, while a common problem, can be prevented and controlled with the right strategies. If you live in North Carolina and are experiencing rodent issues, it's important to act quickly. Whether you’re dealing with Norway rats, roof rats, house mice, or deer mice, the sooner you tackle the problem, the less damage they will cause. A combination of sealing up your home, maintaining cleanliness, and using traps or baits can help keep your house rodent-free.
If you find yourself facing a significant rodent problem, contacting a local rodent control professional at Wolfpack Pest Control is always a great option. We can help you identify the type of rodent, assess the infestation, and implement a tailored solution that keeps your home safe and secure. Contact our team today for a detailed home inspection.
Stay vigilant and keep your home protected!