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Rodents are most frequently found outdoors, but they won’t hesitate to infiltrate your home or business if it has plenty of food and shelter. Knowing where mice and rats prefer to live can help you identify infestations early on. Here in Georgia, some of the most common rodent nesting sites include:
Rats and mice are highly adaptable creatures living in various environments. Whether indoors or outdoors, these rodents seek habitats that provide easy access to food, shelter, and warmth. Understanding where rats and mice live is essential for effective rodent pest control, as their habitat choice often puts them in close contact with human activity.
Inside homes and buildings, rats and mice seek out hidden, undisturbed places to build nests and stay safe from predators. Typical indoor habitats include attics, basements, crawlspaces, and wall voids. These areas provide warmth and protection while close to food sources like pantries, kitchens, and pet food storage areas. House Mice, for instance, often nest in cabinets, behind appliances, and in insulation. On the other hand, Roof Rats prefer higher places like eaves and rafters, while Norway Rats tend to burrow in the lower areas of homes, such as basements or foundations.
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Outdoor rodents build their nests in various locations depending on their species. They are known to burrow into the ground, find shelter in piles of debris, or use trees and shrubs for cover. Norway Rats often dig burrows near foundations, under decks, or around sheds, while Roof Rats are more likely to make their nests in trees, bushes, and roofs. House Mice and Deer Mice often create nests in wood piles, sheds, or hollow trees. These outdoor nesting sites can lead to a rodent infestation inside your home when the weather turns colder, driving them indoors for warmth.
While rats and mice may seem similar, their preferred habitats vary depending on the species. Understanding these differences is key to identifying the type of rodent in your home or yard.
Norway Rats are burrowers, preferring to dig into the ground to create their nests. You’ll often find their burrows along building foundations, under piles of debris, or in areas where the soil is soft and loose. Indoors, they typically nest in basements or crawl spaces close to food sources. These rats are omnivores, meaning they’ll eat nearly anything, from garbage to pet food, making urban areas and homes ideal habitats.
Roof Rats prefer higher elevations and are excellent climbers. Outdoors, they make their nests in trees, shrubs, and sometimes attics or rooftops. Inside homes, they tend to stay in the attic, eaves, and upper parts of buildings. Roof rats are known for seeking fruits, nuts, and seeds but will eat whatever food they can find if necessary.
House Mice are among the most common pests found in homes. They prefer to nest close to human activity in quiet, sheltered areas, often hiding in cabinets, behind walls, and within stored items in basements or garages. They use soft materials like paper, fabric, and insulation for nesting materials, creating small nests in secluded areas. These mice can survive on very little food and water, making them difficult to control once they’ve established a nest indoors. They’re often found in trees, beneath rocks, and other spots with plenty of hiding places.
Deer Mice are typically found in rural or semi-rural areas, often nesting in cabins, outbuildings, or woodpiles. Outdoors make their homes in hollow logs, under rocks, or in old animal burrows. When they venture inside, they favor crawl spaces, basements, or storage areas. Deer mice are also a concern because they can carry hantavirus, which poses a serious health risk if humans come into contact with their droppings, urine, or nesting materials.
Understanding why rodents are attracted to your home can help prevent an infestation. The main reasons rodents choose your home or yard are simple: food and shelter.
Rodents are constantly searching for food, and homes provide easy access to a variety of food sources. Pet food, garbage, pantry items, and crumbs left behind in kitchens are just a few examples of what can attract rats and mice. Norway Rats and House Mice are known to gnaw through food packaging, contaminating it with feces and urine. Outside, bird feeders, compost bins, and fallen fruit from trees can also serve as attractive food sources for rodents.
Rodents seek safe places to nest, especially during colder months. House Mice and Roof Rats often seek shelter in attics, wall voids, and basements, while Norway Rats burrow near foundations or under debris. They use soft materials like insulation, paper, and fabric to build nests. Once they find a cozy, warm spot with easy access to food, they can multiply quickly, leading to a severe rodent infestation.
Rodents can be sneaky, but there are telltale signs that can help you spot an infestation early.
Mouse Droppings and rat droppings are common indicators of a rodent infestation. Mice leave behind small, rice-sized droppings, while rats produce larger, pellet-shaped droppings. You may also notice a musky odor caused by rodent urine, especially in enclosed areas like attics or basements.
Rats and mice constantly need to gnaw, leaving behind gnaw marks on wood, plastic, or electrical wiring. You may also find shredded materials like paper, fabric, or insulation, which rodents use to build their nests. Nests are often hidden in dark, secluded areas like wall voids, attics, or crawl spaces.
Rodents are nocturnal, so you may hear unusual noises at night, such as scratching or scurrying from the walls, ceiling, or floors. You might also glimpse a rodent dashing across a room or hiding under furniture. Pay attention to small movements in your kitchen, basement, or attic, as these could be signs of a rat or mouse infestation.
Concerned about a potential rodent invasion in your home? Look no further than Active Pest Control, your local experts in tackling rodent infestations across Georgia since 1985. Our satisfaction warranty ensures your complete peace of mind, knowing that we’re dedicated to delivering results. Don’t let rodents take over—trust Active Pest Control to reclaim your home and restore your peace of mind. Schedule your appointment today
While DIY methods like Mouse Traps, Bait, or Repellents can help, professional rodent pest control services are often the most effective way to eliminate rats and mice.
Additionally, we offer a variety of resources to help you stay informed and protect your home, including rodent identification guides, rodent prevention guides, and rodent treatment guides. These guides can help you understand more about the rodents you’re dealing with and how to prevent future infestations.
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