Wildlife, Rodent, & Pest Control Services

In the Knoxville area, there are many species of rodents that can become a nuisance for local homeowners. Particularly during the winter months, rodents love to sneak into homes, hole up, raise their babies, and pass the time by gnawing away at your woodwork, insulation and wiring. Not to mention, a rodent infestation can lead to the transmission of diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, typhus and salmonellosis.

But how do you know what type of rodent is in your house? Rats, mice, and both gray and flying squirrels commonly invade Tennessee homes. If you don’t actually see these pesky critters up close, it can be hard to tell them apart. Here’s a guide to identify what sort of rodent has infested your Knoxville home.

 

Mice

• Size: The smallest of local rodents, mice range in size from 2.5 to 4 inches long, not counting their tails. Some species may be slightly larger than others.
• Color: Mice can come in a variety of colors, from ash gray to reddish brown.
• Movement: It’s rare for Knoxville homeowners to actually see the mice living alongside them, at least for more than a second. Mice scurry about quickly and stick to cover, disappearing at the first sign of danger.
• Other Distinguishers: A mouse and a rat look pretty similar at a glance, aside from the size difference. But it’s worth noting that mice have longer snouts, larger ears and rounder bodies compared to rats.

 

 

 

Rats

• Size: Noticeably larger than mice, rats are usually 5 to 8 inches long. The two most common rat species in Knoxville are Norway rats and roof rats. Norway rats tend to be bigger.
• Color: Rats range from gray to brown in color, depending on species.
• Movement: Much like mice, rats scurry around and rarely stay out in the open. But because rats are larger and slightly slower than mice, you’re more likely to actually spot one marauding around your home.
• Other Distinguishers: Aside from being much larger than mice, rats have longer bodies with blunter snouts and smaller ears.

 

 

 

Gray Squirrels

• Size: Gray squirrels are the biggest rodents in Knoxville, with 8 to 12 inch bodies and a bushy tail that’s just as long. This tail is the easiest way to distinguish a squirrel from a rat.
• Color: As their name suggests, gray squirrels tend to be gray, though they may sometimes have black fur.
• Movement: Unlike mice and rats, gray squirrels hop around on the ground, much like a rabbit. They also have an affinity for climbing, be it on trees or up the side of your house.
• Other Distinguishers: A gray squirrel and a rat can look similar at a glance, but squirrels can be easily distinguished by their big bushy tails. It’s also worth noting that gray squirrels are diurnal, which means that they’re most active during the day. By contrast, mice, rats and flying squirrels are all nocturnal.

 

 

Flying Squirrels

• Size: Much smaller than their gray cousins, flying squirrels are only 5 to 6 inches long, with a 3 to 4 inch tail. This also makes them smaller than full-grown rats, though still larger than mice.
• Color: Flying squirrels have gray and brown fur but if they’re gliding, you’re likely to spot their white underbellies.
• Movement: While flying squirrels can’t truly fly in the way that a bat can, they are proficient gliders. These small squirrels stick to treetops and rooftops, gliding between them as needed and rarely touching the ground.
• Other Distinguishers: Flying squirrels almost look like a cross between a gray squirrel and a mouse. You can distinguish them by the dark stripe separating their bellies from their backs. And if you happen to see one gliding, there’s no mistaking it for anything else!

 

Rodent Issues? We Can Stop Them!

Whether you’ve got mice, rats or squirrels, a rodent infestation in your home isn’t something you should have to deal with. Contact Critter Wranglers today if you’d like professional rodent control services in the Knoxville area!