Common Alabama Rodents: Which Should I Worry About?
Insects aren’t the only pests moving indoors during the winter. All kinds of rodents are also gnawing and scratching their way into homes in Alabama. Which vermin are most likely to become uninvited house guests? Read on to find out.
Alabama Rodents That Are Around in the Winter
Of the 62 native mammals in Alabama, a whooping 22 are rodents. That’s right. More than a third of the Yellowhammer State’s mammal population falls into the rodent category. That’s to be expected since rodents are the largest order of mammals. There are also several non-native rodents that are also commonly found in Alabama.
Of course, not all of them will be looking for shelter in your home this winter, but you should be on the look out for the small rodents below.
GRAY SQUIRREL
If a gray squirrel is going to move in, there’s a good chance they’ll do it towards the end of the winter. That’s one of two times in the year when they give birth. A nice climate-controlled home makes it much easier to feed and nurture the baby squirrels.
EASTERN CHIPMUNK
In real life chipmunks aren’t as cute as Alvin, Simon and Theodore. They live in a variety of habitats all over Alabama, including urban areas. They do have one redeeming quality. Eastern chipmunks feed on insects.
SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL
The southern flying squirrel isn’t as common in urban areas as the gray squirrel and the eastern chipmunk, but they can become a pest. One of the times when you’re most likely to see a southern flying squirrel is in the early winter when they’re breeding and gestating.
HOUSE MOUSE
One of the most common pests in Alabama (and the rest of the U.S.) is the house mouse. As the name suggests, the house mouse likes to live under a roof. While there, they’ll have up to 14 litters a year and can cause significant economic damage.
BLACK RAT
This exotic breed of rat is often kept as a pet, but when they run wild they can be real pests. The black rat is often referred to as “roof rat” because of their excellent climbing capabilities. They can easily find their way into homes if there are any loose vents, damaged facade, etc.
NORWAY RAT
Like the black rat, the Norway rat hitched a ride to the U.S. on a European ship hundreds of years ago, and they’ve been a nuisance ever since. Norway rats primarily live off of food and shelter provided by humans rather than foraging out in the wild.
Have you spotted one of these rodents running around your home? Then give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. a call! We’re one of the most trusted Alabama pest control companies with more than 50 years of experience serving local home and business owners.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-profiles/common-alabama-rodents-worry/