This article takes a look at Arizona rodents.

Certain rodent species tend to be more adapted to particular geographical regions over others. Some others leave to tend to spread from their locations of origin to new locations.

This article seeks to discuss Arizona rodents.

AZ Rodents

Rodents are an order of gnawing mammals with constantly growing incisors and no canine teeth.

Mammals within this order include hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, rats, squirrels, beavers, prairie dogs, chipmunks, and chinchillas.

These are just a few of several species, as there are also subspecies belonging to this order.

If you live in Arizona or are simply interested in knowing about rodents within this geographical location, this article will provide you with the needed help.

Are all rodent species found within the state of Arizona?

Let’s find out.

Why Identification is Necessary

Identifying the different rodents in Arizona is essential because these creatures cause a lot of havoc in addition to the spread of diseases.

Despite the similarities in the way they operate, each rodent species tends to have its most preferred habitat. Human dwellings are typically attractive to rodents due to the abundance of food.

Understanding their behavior helps in carrying out or implementing effective treatment strategies. It’s common knowledge that rodents are well adapted to all types of human habitations.

With well-tailored treatment methods, the needed rat repellent and extermination effects are obtained.

Types Of Rodents in Arizona

There are different rodent species in Arizona. The most common of these include pack or wood rats, deer mice, roof rats, house mice, and Norway rats.

These tend to pose the most problem to homeowners as such, they attract the most attention. So, how do they operate, and what specific problems do they cause?

  • Pack Rats

Packrats, also called wood rats, are among the most active and notorious rodent species you’ll find in Arizona. As the name implies, these rodents love to hoard.

Not only do they hoard all sorts of food items, but they also stash items considered unimportant to their livelihood.

Such unimportant items include shiny objects, pebbles, sticks, and just about anything they can find. This rodent species love clutter, but that is the least of your worries.

In addition to clutter, packrats cause or contribute to just about any problems rodents are known for.

Such problems include risks of getting diseases as well as property damage.

Speaking of the potential of disease spread, the urine and droppings of pack rats cause all sorts of microbial and viral growth that can be transferred to humans when you contact such areas.

The problem is that these contaminated areas could be above you, in your attic, or around your home. Packrats will also chew through electrical wiring, which raises the risk of a house fire breaking out.

  • Deer Mouse

Another rodent species found in Arizona is the deer mouse. They’re known for their characteristically small sizes, mostly measuring between 3 to 4 inches (inclusive of tail length) in size.

Despite their varying colorations from black to white, they can be easily identified from the coloration of their underbellies and feet, which are all white.

The cuteness of these rodent species shouldn’t deceive you as they’re as destructive as other rodent species. You’re likely to contact transmissible diseases through their urine and droppings.

One of those diseases is the Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

  • Roof Rats In Arizona

Also known as black rats, roof rats are quite common in Arizona and are identified by their hairless and long tails. They also have black fur but with lighter coloration on their underbellies.

Roof rats are nocturnal rodents; as such, they move out in search of food at night.

What more? True to their name, roof rats have a preference for elevated areas. This is why you’ll find the most in attics, on rafters, as well as on trees.

Homeowners are more concerned about the damaging activities of roof rats to property.

Speaking of damage, roof rats will chew through just about anything they can find in your home. Such include insulated electrical wiring, food, and wood.

You’ll need to be careful getting into infested areas because contact with their droppings and urine could result in serious health impacts.

Diseases likely to be spread by these rodents include typhus, salmonella, leptospirosis, and plague, among others. It’s best to allow a professional to conduct a thorough inspection in addition to treatment.

If you must inspect, consider wearing medical-grade disposable gloves and a nose mask.

  • House Mouse

The house mouse is also a nocturnal rodent found in Arizona. This rodent species can be identified from its brownish or grayish fur with characteristically long ears and thin tails.

It’s called the house mouse due to its dwelling preferences.

When house mice take up residence in your home, they pose many problems, including significant disturbance, which is most noticeable at night. These rodent species are known to bite as a defensive strategy when cornered.

Apart from pain inflicted, you’re likely to get diseases from such bites.

Also, their droppings and urine are a health hazard homeowners face. Diseases transmitted through contact with house mice droppings and urine includes plague, salmonella, hantavirus, and tapeworms.

You’ll need to be very careful when inspecting for house mice so as not to contract these diseases.

In terms of nesting behavior, house mice exploit the smallest openings or spaces and nest in your walls. These rodents help themselves out from open foods as well as stored food in pantries among other areas.

  • Norway Rats

Norway rats can be identified by their hairless tails that tend to be shorter than their bodies. They have an average size of 10 inches long and a grayish-brown color.

Diseases such as Lyme, plague, and leptospirosis can be transmitted by them.

Although these mostly prefer outdoor underground nesting, you’ll sometimes find them indoors. When Norway rats get into homes, they cause a wide range of damage to property.

These include the ruining of insulation and other forms of structural damage.

These are the most common rodents you’ll find in Arizona. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it points to particular rodent species homeowners are likely to deal with.

Your best shot at addressing their presence is by calling for professional mice control.

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