3 Rodents That Can Do Damage to Businesses and How to Prevent Them

Mice and rats are common throughout the U.S., but that doesn’t mean your business should invite them into your business. These pests can damage property, contaminate food, and spread diseases, leading to costly repairs and health risks. No matter your industry, stopping rodent infestations is vital for staying compliant, preserving your reputation, and safeguarding your bottom line.

But which rodents should you be most concerned about? Let’s talk about the most common rodents in businesses, the potential damage they can inflict, and how to implement rodent control and prevention that works.

Top 3 Rodents to Watch Out For in Businesses

Roof Rats, Norway rats, and House mice are commensal rodents that live closely with humans, relying on them for food, water, and shelter. These opportunistic feeders will move to places where food is abundant, leading to significant problems for businesses. Their presence can cause inventory losses, operational disruptions, and damage to your reputation. In industries like food service, retail, hospitality, or property management, it’s vital to keep an eye out for rodent signs to protect your business.

House Mice

House mice are always on the lookout for food and a warm, secure spot to nest. Ranging in color from light brown to dark gray, they typically measure between 2 to 5 inches long. Because they can squeeze through gaps as small as a pencil’s width, it’s important to regularly check and seal any potential entry points to prevent an infestation.

Mice are nocturnal creatures, meaning they’re most active at night when you and your staff may not be around to catch them in action. However, you’ll probably notice signs of their presence, like gnawed baseboards, chewed food packaging, and droppings. Their droppings are about a quarter-inch long, pointy at the ends, and often found in clusters. Mice are attracted to carbohydrates, especially grains, oats, and fruits, and typically nest near food sources, often in walls near kitchens or storage rooms.

How To Prevent House Mice:

Mice can easily infiltrate your business if the environment allows it. To help keep them out, follow these easy but proven prevention tips:

• Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and sanitize surfaces in kitchens and food prep areas to remove potential food sources and discourage mice from entering.
• Sealed Containers: Store food in tightly sealed containers and keep it off the floor to make it more difficult for mice to access.
• Seal Holes and Cracks: Block any gaps or cracks in walls and floors with steel wool or caulk, preventing mice from entering your business.
• Maintain Vegetation: Trim trees, shrubs, and plants regularly, and maintain a clear barrier of a few feet between your building and any vegetation to prevent mice from using them as pathways into your space.

Norway Rats

Norway rats, also known as brown rats, street rats, or sewer rats, are omnivores with a keen sense of smell that helps them find food. These rodents can grow up to 11 inches in length, have brown or gray fur, and can fit through gaps as narrow as ¾ inch. They reproduce rapidly, with one female capable of producing up to five litters annually.

Known for burrowing, Norway rats often nest underground. When they enter your business, they’ll usually hide in dark spaces like basements or crawlspaces. These rats can spread pathogens that contaminate food and inventory, leading to long-term problems. Keep an eye out for signs like gnaw marks, greasy rodent paths, scampering noises, and droppings that are longer and pellet-shaped, though less frequent than mouse droppings.

How to Prevent Norway Rats:

Norway rats can easily gain access to your business when the environment allows. To help keep them out, implement these simple yet effective prevention methods:

• Clean Trash Receptacles: Regularly clean trash bins and make sure dumpsters are tightly sealed to prevent rats from finding food or shelter.
• Remove Moisture: Eliminate sources of moisture, such as leaks from pipes or faucets, to avoid attracting rats seeking water.
• Trim Vegetation: Prune plants and shrubs around the building to remove potential hiding spots and burrowing areas for rats.
• Store Food Properly: Always store food properly and never leave it exposed, especially overnight, to keep rats from being drawn in by the scent of an easy meal.

Roof Rats

Roof rats are typically found outdoors but frequently enter businesses seeking food and shelter, particularly in spaces like attics, roofs, and chimneys. They are skilled climbers who can easily travel from tree branches or power lines to a building’s roof. Once there, they can squeeze through small openings, even those as small as a quarter.

Roof rats, generally light to dark brown, are smaller than Norway rats, growing up to 8 inches in length. While they mainly consume seeds and plants, they will chew through almost any material, including plastic and soft metals, to access food. They also hoard food for later consumption. Evidence of their presence includes gnawing marks, electrical damage from chewing on wires, greasy rub marks along their paths, and droppings about ½ inch long with sharp ends.

How To Prevent Roof Rats:

Roof rats can quickly invade your business if the conditions are right. Use these straightforward and effective techniques to help keep them out:

• Maintain Cleanliness: Keep food prep and storage areas tidy, ensuring all food is properly sealed and stored to avoid attracting rats.
• Trim Trees: Prune any tree branches that hang over or touch the roof to stop rats from using them as a route onto the roof.
• Inspect and Seal: Regularly inspect the roof for holes or gaps and seal them to prevent rats from entering your building.
• Dispose of Waste: Consistently remove garbage and store dumpsters securely to minimize the risk of rats being attracted to food waste.

What to Do If You Suspect Rodents in Your Commercial Property

Rodent infestations can grow rapidly, which is why it’s important to contact a pest control expert like Assured Environments to safeguard your business. A technician will evaluate your property, identify the rodent species, and suggest effective removal and prevention solutions. While there are many indicators of a rodent issue, seeing one, whether alive or dead, is the clearest sign.

If you spot a rat or mouse in or near your business, call Assured Environments right away to stop the problem from escalating.