Rodents Facts & Information

Despite their vast size and visual diversity, rodents share a number of physical traits. Based on the species, the fur that covers the majority of their bodies can range in color from white to tan to darker shades like gray or black. These animals have continuous growth of sharp incisors on both the upper and lower jaws. You can’t bite through hardwood, plastic, or metal without these teeth.

The size of rodents can vary greatly. For instance, while rats can grow to a maximum of 16 inches in length (including the tails), the average length of a house mouse is 3 to 4 inches. Although they are rodents, squirrels are larger and more agile than the typical rat.

Except for a handful of species with noticeably larger males, it appears that the sexes of the vast majority of species are very similar. Gender differences in behavior are most noticeable during mating seasons in certain rodent species.

Rats and mice start their lives in their nests or burrows.  Typically, newborns rely solely on their mothers for support because they lack hair and vision. Within a few short days or weeks, they open their eyes and begin to develop fur. Under ideal circumstances, a mouse only needs a few months to reach adulthood, allowing for several generations every year. Their rapid reproduction rate is one explanation for their ability to set up and maintain colonies in a wide variety of environments. 

Rodents can thrive because of a number of distinctive characteristics. They can bite through tough materials with the help of their powerful, continuously developing incisors, which help them get food and build shelter. A lot of rodents can climb trees and swim well, which allows them to explore more places. For nesting and rearing offspring, they often construct elaborate tunnels or nests. Rodents can hear and smell very well, which aids them in detecting predators and locating food in a wide variety of habitats.

Rodents are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Grain, seed, fruit, and human food leftovers are just a few of the many things that they nibble on; however, their exact eating habits do differ by species. The diet of many rodents may change depending on what is available, since they are opportunistic eaters. Because of how often and how many offspring each litter contains, populations may expand at a remarkable rate due to the high rate of reproduction.

Wherever food and shelter are easily accessible, rats will seek out dark, hidden places to live, such as basements, attics, wall voids, and under appliances. When they’re outside, they love woodpiles, thick foliage, and dirt burrows. In the winter, rodents will seek intermediate temperatures rather than the extremes of heat or cold. Furthermore, they like somewhat damp places since that’s where they may get food and build their nests. They stay away from places that are too light or too exposed because such places make them more susceptible to predators.

The chewing on wood, wires, and insulation by rodents can wreak havoc on buildings, posing fire risks or necessitating expensive repairs. Additionally, they can spread disease through their droppings, fur, urine, and other bodily fluids, which can contaminate food and surfaces. Droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds, and nests concealed in walls, attics, or crowded places are common indicators. People living there may also feel uneasy and stressed out by their presence.

Several health risks can be posed to humans by rodents. They can spread diseases like rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and hantavirus through their saliva, droppings, bites, and urine. For those who are allergic to rodents or have asthma, coming into direct contact with their droppings or other dander can be a major setback. Despite their rarity, rodent bites can inflict discomfort, infection, and even disease transmission.

Urine or rodent droppings can contaminate food and surfaces, raising the possibility of getting sick. On extremely rare occasions, serious consequences necessitating medical intervention may arise from diseases transmitted by rodents. Effective control and prevention measures are essential to reducing these risks to health and safety.