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Types of rodents in Central TN

The order Rodentia, or the rodent family, is comprised of over 2,000 species that are subdivided into many families. Muridae is the largest of these families, containing nearly two-thirds of all rodents. Mice and rats are included in this family. Central TN is home to many kinds of rodents, including the following:

  • House mice
  • Deer mice
  • Norway rats
  • Roof rats
  • Pack rats
  • Meadow voles
  • Squirrels
Types of Rodents in Central TN; The Bug Man

Common Rats & Mice in Central TN

There are thousands of rodent species in the world, but these four are most notorious for infesting homes and businesses:

  1. House mouse: These mice live all across the country. They prefer to nest in dark, hidden areas with access to climb to food and water sources. Because they often chew on electrical wires, it can be dangerous to have them around.
  2. Deer mouse: Deer mice usually nest outdoors in rural areas, but when they do infest homes, the possibility of Hantavirus transmission makes them dangerous. 
  3. Norway rat: Norway rats are the biggest rats that infest homes in our area. They usually burrow underneath our homes, but when they get inside, they can cause serious damage and spread many different kinds of diseases.
  4. Roof rat: Roof rats usually get inside our homes by climbing to high-up access points. They’re also called ship rats or black rats because they are historically associated with the bubonic plague.

What Other Rodent Species are Around Here?

Many more rodents than rats and mice can give you trouble on your property. Around Central TN, we have seen chipmunks, squirrels, woodchucks, gophers, voles, porcupines, and more! These rodents are rarely considered pests, but voles, squirrels, gophers, and even chipmunks can occasionally create property damage or cause a nuisance in your attic. If you’re having trouble with any one of these animals, it’s important to seek help from your local wildlife control experts.

What Types of Rodents Do I Have?

If you can’t tell what kinds of rodents you have in your yard or building, ask an expert. Nuisance rodents usually aren’t aggressive, but they can create a hazardous environment with their nesting and droppings. Your local rodent exterminators can determine what kind of rodent is causing trouble on your property and create a plan to get rid of them quickly and safely.

Types of Rodents in Central TN in Central Tennessee

Serving Central Tennessee

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