Types of Rodents Found in Oceanside & San Diego County, California
You’ve probably seen many “cute” rodents in cartoons and other animated media. Some of the real ones can be, too. But if you’re not keeping a rodent under control as a house pet, even the most adorable little house mouse can cause you a major headache. That’s where Major League Pest comes in. We’re experts at controlling the local population of all the types of rodents commonly seen here in Oceanside and throughout San Diego County, California. We’d also like to help you understand what you’re up against—especially if you’ve already seen signs of gnawing and clawing, or have been cleaning up mysterious little droppings lately.
Understanding the Types of Rodents in North County
Here in San Diego County, your home could one day be shared against your will by one or more of these types of rodents:
Common House Mouse
Common house mice are usually dusky gray to light brown in color, and they have rather large ears. They are excellent climbers and are able to fit through openings as small as a quarter inch in diameter, roughly the size of a pencil eraser. Females can give birth to a half a dozen babies every three weeks, all of which will grow old enough to breed within just five weeks.
Roof Rat
Roof rats are black or brown in color and can grow to 12 to 14 inches in length, with a long tail, large ears and eyes, and a pointed nose. Their body is small and sleek with smooth fur. Rat nests are typically found inside and underneath buildings, or in piles of rubbish or wood. Roof rats are great climbers that can often be found in the upper parts of structures, as their name suggests. They are omnivorous, but show a preference for grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
Ground Squirrel
The California ground squirrel is gray and brown in color, and can grow to approximately 18 inches long. As stated in their name, they burrow in the ground instead of nesting in trees. Between uprooting plants for their home and having a plant-based diet, these squirrels are a nuisance to homeowners—particularly avid gardeners.
Gopher
Gophers are small rodents that burrow and live mostly in the ground. Their diet consists of vegetation, primarily the roots of plants, making them a terror in any garden, planter, or yard. If they are eating a plant above ground, they will pop their head out of a burrow, grab the nearest plant, and pull the entire plant into their hole.
Your Local Rodent Control Experts
If you’re dealing with any of these types of rodents at your North County property, the last thing you need to do is ignore them and hope they go tear up someone else’s yard or home. Contact Major League Pest to get specialized services from the premier rodent control company serving homeowners in San Diego County, CA.