Common Rodents in San Diego
Mice
Mice are the most common rodents found in San Diego homes. They are small, with grayish-brown fur, cream-colored underbellies, large ears, beady eyes, and long tails. Mice reproduce rapidly, with females capable of producing up to 10 litters a year.
Norway Rats
Norway rats are large and round, with brownish-gray fur, lighter underbellies, blunt noses, small eyes and ears, and short, hairless tails. They are excellent swimmers but poor climbers, and they usually live on the lower levels of homes and buildings.
Roof Rats
Roof rats have long, thin bodies with dark brown to black fur, lighter underbellies, large eyes and ears, pointed noses, and tails longer than their bodies. Roof rats are expert climbers and typically inhabit the upper levels of structures.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
How can you tell if rodents have entered your San Diego home? Watch for these common signs:
- Droppings: Mice and rats leave droppings wherever they travel. Depending on the species, rodent droppings are dark and can have pointed or blunt ends.
- Noises: Rodents are active at night, so you may hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking in your ceilings, walls, or floors.
- Rub marks: Rodents tend to stick to edges and corners. Greasy streaks along walls or baseboards can indicate where their fur has rubbed off.
- Gnaw marks: Rodents chew constantly. Holes in food packaging, wood, or other household items may signal their activity.
- Nesting materials: Bits of fabric, insulation, or paper found behind or under appliances, in storage areas, or other out-of-the-way spaces could be signs of a rodent nest.
- Unpleasant odor: Rodent urine has a musky smell. In larger infestations, this odor can be noticeable throughout your home.
Best Rodent Prevention Tips for Your San Diego Home
Rodents often invade homes in search of shelter, food, and water. Homes provide all of these, making them attractive to mice and rats. By making your home less hospitable, you can significantly reduce the chances of a rodent infestation. Harbor Pest Control recommends the following tips:
- Keep your yard well-maintained and free of debris.
- Trim bushes, shrubs, and tree limbs around the perimeter of your home.
- Remove standing water and address moisture issues like dripping spigots or poor drainage.
- Clean your gutters regularly.
- Remove potential outdoor food sources, like bird seed or pet food.
- Keep trash bins tightly closed and stored away from your house.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around your foundation and siding.
- Repair gaps around windows and doors, and install weatherstripping and door sweeps where needed.
- Fill holes around utility entry points.
- Cover vents and downspouts with wire mesh.
- Cap your chimney.
- Declutter and clean attics, basements, and other storage areas.
- Store all food in airtight containers.
- Clean your kitchen after meals, washing dishes, wiping counters, vacuuming, and mopping floors.
- Address moisture and humidity issues inside your home.
When to Call Harbor Pest Contro
There are two main reasons to contact Harbor Pest Control for rodent control:
- If you’ve already noticed signs of rodent activity
Rodents do not leave homes on their own. Acting quickly limits the damage mice and rats can cause and helps eliminate the infestation sooner. - For rodent prevention
Rodents are among the most dangerous pests in homes due to the diseases they carry and the destruction they cause. Implementing a prevention plan can keep your home rodent-free before any problems arise.
How Harbor Pest Control Eliminates Mice and Rats
Since 1948, Harbor Pest Control has protected San Diego homes from rodents and other house-infesting pests. When you reach out for pest control, we begin with a thorough inspection to identify the source of the infestation, the entry points, and any conditions that attract rodents. From there, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Rodent control can also be incorporated into our home pest control plans for year-round protection. Our quarterly services keep rodents and other common pests out of your home throughout every season. Contact Harbor Pest Control today to get started.
