Pest group
Rodents & Shrews
Mice, rats, squirrels and their relatives: signs, traps, exclusion and cleanup.
Identify at a glance
Size, key marks and where each rodents & shrews pest shows up first, with the threat level and the first step to take.
| Pest | Threat | Size and key marks | Where to look | First step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mice | High | 2.5 to 4 inches body, plus tail (6–10 cm). Small, gray-brown, large ears, long thin tail. | Kitchens, pantries, wall voids, attics, garages | Seal gaps larger than 1/4 inch with steel wool and caulk or metal mesh |
| Rats | High | 7 to 10 inches body, plus tail (18–25 cm). Large, brown or black; blunt nose (Norway) or pointed nose and long tail (roof). | Basements, sewers, burrows by foundations (Norway); attics and trees (roof) | Seal gaps larger than 1/2 inch with metal |
| Squirrels | High | 9 to 12 inches body, plus bushy tail (23–30 cm). Gray, red-brown or black; bushy tail; active in daytime. | Attics, soffits, chimneys, bird feeders, gardens | Trim branches 8 feet back from the roof |
| Chipmunks | Moderate | 5 to 6 inches body, plus tail (13–15 cm). Small, striped face and back, tail held upright. | Under patios, steps, retaining walls, garden beds | Use gravel or L-shaped wire mesh along foundations |
| Voles | Moderate | 3 to 5 inches body, short tail (8–13 cm). Stocky, small ears and eyes, short tail; brown to gray. | Lawns, garden beds, orchards, under snow cover | Mow short in late fall |
| Shrews | Low | 3 to 5 inches including tail (8–13 cm). Mouse-like but with a long pointed snout and tiny eyes. | Leaf litter, gardens, occasionally basements and garages | Seal gaps around doors and foundations |
When to call a professional
- MiceActivity continues after 2 to 3 weeks of trapping
- RatsBurrows or activity on several sides of the house
- SquirrelsSquirrels inside the attic or walls, especially with young in spring or late summer
- ChipmunksBurrows undermining foundations or retaining walls
- VolesHeavy damage to orchards or landscape trees
- ShrewsShrews living inside the house repeatedly
Latest rodents & shrews guides
Other pest groups
- Household InsectsAnts, roaches, bed bugs and the other insects that move indoors for food, water and warmth.
- Bees & WaspsNests under eaves, in walls and in the ground: when to leave them, when to act and how to stay safe.
- Spiders & CrawlersSpiders, scorpions, ticks and the many-legged crawlers found in basements and yards.
- Lawn & Garden PestsDiggers and grazers that tunnel lawns, raid vegetable beds and undermine foundations.
- WildlifeRaccoons, skunks, bats, snakes and birds: humane removal, repellents and the laws that apply.
Photo credits
Thank you to Ahunt, Charles J. Sharp (photo 2) and G. Scott Segler for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.