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Common Rodent Species in the Houston Area (and How We Can Help)

The Houston area offers a great quality of life—with its vibrant culture, warm climate, and flourishing neighborhoods. Unfortunately, its environment also makes it a hotspot for the city’s most unwanted visitors: rodents. From scrambling in attics to gnawing through walls, these invaders can cause damage, spread disease, and disrupt homes and businesses.

Understanding which rodents are dominant in this region and knowing how to prevent or eliminate them is crucial for protecting your property. This guide dives into the most common rodent species in the Houston area, their habits, and how Cypress Creek Pest Control can keep them at bay.

Why Worry About Rodents?

Rodents are more than just annoying pests. Left unchecked, they can cause significant damage and health risks, including:

• Structural Damage: Rodents gnaw on wood, insulation, and wiring, which can even lead to electrical fires.
• Contaminated Food and Water: They spread diseases such as Hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis by contaminating surfaces and food supplies.
• Prolific Reproduction: Rodents breed rapidly, meaning a small issue can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation.

With Houston’s warm climate and urban sprawl, rodents often find ample opportunities to invade homes and commercial spaces.

Common Rodent Species in Houston

The Houston area is home to several rodent species. Below are the most common culprits and their distinctive traits.

1. Norway Rats

Characteristics:

• Large, bulky rodents measuring 7-9.5 inches in body length.
• Brown or gray fur with a tail shorter than their body length.

Habits:

• They prefer ground-level spaces like basements, crawl spaces, and sewers.
• Norway rats are excellent burrowers and are often found under buildings or in piles of debris.

Why They’re a Problem:

Norway rats are prolific breeders and can chew through just about anything in search of food. They also transmit diseases and contaminate food stores.

2. Roof Rats

Characteristics:

• Sleeker and smaller than Norway rats, measuring 6-8 inches in length.
• Black or brown fur with long tails often longer than their body.

Habits:

• True to their name, roof rats are agile climbers that often nest in high places such as attics, rafters, and trees.
• They prefer to consume fruits, nuts, and seeds but will eat almost anything when necessary.

Why They’re a Problem:

Roof rats can do extensive damage to wiring and insulation in attics. Their ability to climb gives them access to places where they can remain undetected for long periods.

3. House Mice

Characteristics:

• Small rodents measuring 2.5-4 inches long (excluding their tail).
• Light brown or gray fur with small ears and a pointed nose.

Habits:

• Found in both urban and rural areas, house mice often establish nests indoors in hidden areas such as walls, cupboards, and storage boxes.
• Known for their incredible agility and ability to squeeze through tiny crevices.

Why They’re a Problem:

House mice not only damage structures with their constant gnawing but also contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings.

4. Deer Mice

Characteristics:

• Around the same size as house mice but with two-tone coloring (brown bodies with white bellies and feet).
• Known for large eyes and ears.

Habits:

• Primarily found in rural and semi-rural areas, they often seek shelter in barns, garages, and sheds.

Why They’re a Problem:

Deer mice are carriers of Hantavirus, a serious illness transmitted through their droppings, urine, or saliva.

5. Voles

Characteristics:

• Stockier than mice, with shorter tails, small ears, and blunt snouts.
• 4-6 inches in length and usually brown or gray in color.

Habits:

• Found in outdoor areas, voles live in burrows that can destroy lawns and gardens.

Why They’re a Problem:

Voles do extensive damage to vegetation and landscaping, making them a nuisance for homeowners who value their outdoor spaces.

How Cypress Creek Pest Control Can Help

At Cypress Creek Pest Control, we specialize in eliminating rodents and restoring peace of mind to Houston residents. Here’s how we can help:

1. Thorough Inspections

Our team begins with a detailed inspection to identify the type of rodent, their entry points, and the extent of the infestation. Whether rodents have invaded an attic, crawl space, or commercial property, we leave no stone unturned.

2. Customized Treatment Plans

Every rodent problem is unique. We tailor our approach to your specific situation, using methods that are effective, humane, and environmentally friendly. Treatment plans may include:

• Sealing entry points
• Setting traps and bait stations
• Removing food and water sources that attract rodents

3. Rodent Monitoring

Rodents reproduce quickly, which means ongoing monitoring is crucial. Our rodent-monitoring service ensures that once they’re gone, they stay gone.

4. Prevention Tips

We empower our customers by providing proactive measures to keep rodents out. Some tips include:

• Sealing cracks and gaps in walls and foundations.
• Keeping food in airtight containers.
• Eliminating standing water and debris around your property.
• Trimming trees and branches near your roofline.

5. Ongoing Support with the Healthy House Program

Subscribe to our Healthy House Program for quarterly treatments to prevent future infestations. We not only address rodents but also other common pests like termites, mosquitoes, and ants.

Why Choose Cypress Creek Pest Control?

• Trusted Service Since 1968: With over 55 years in operation, we’ve earned the trust of more than 12,000 homes and businesses in Houston.
• Expert Technicians: Our highly trained team has the skills and knowledge to handle any rodent problem swiftly and effectively.
• Eco-Friendly Solutions: We prioritize the safety of your family, pets, and the environment.
• Customer-Centered Approach: From prompt scheduling to guaranteed satisfaction, we put our customers first.

Protect Your Home Today

Houston’s warm climate may be perfect for rodents, but it doesn’t have to mean your home becomes theirs. Whether you’re hearing mysterious scratching noises at night or you’ve spotted chewed wires, Cypress Creek Pest Control is here to help.

Contact Us Today

Say goodbye to rodents for good! Call us at 281-469-2679 or request a free estimate online. With our expertise, you’ll enjoy a pest-free home year-round.