Identify The Problem

Pocket Gophers will create a distinct horseshoe-shaped mound above ground and can damage such things as crops, ornamental plants, gardens, water lines, and sprinkler systems.

Pocket Gophers are solitary and herbivorous animals that live a subterranean lifestyle. They have large front paws, broad shoulders, small eyes, and huge front teeth. This rodent remains active all year long and can adapt to a variety of living conditions.

Ground Squirrels are communal animals that live on and in the ground. There will be several round-shaped “holes” to their burrow and can live in a variety of habitats. They feed off a variety of green plant parts, fruits, insects (caterpillars, crickets, etc.) and vertebrates (frogs, toads, etc.).

Ground Squirrels have short legs, strong claws, small and round ears, and a moderately long tail. They can range in color from gray or pale brown to olive, reddish, or very dark brown.

A Mole’s burrows can cause damage to lawns, parks, flower beds, roots, and grasses. They leave a visible and distinct volcano-shaped mound.

Moles are insectivores that feed off of insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates. They are hairless with a pointed snout, small eyes, and no external ears. Their forefeet are very large and broad with webbed toes and they have small hind feet that are narrow with slender and sharp claws.

Prairie Dogs inhabit America’s prairies and grasslands. They live in colonies and form what is called “towns.” They have elaborate burrow systems with many entrances marked by crater and dome-shaped mounds.

Prairie Dogs have a stocky body with short and muscular legs, a short tail, and their hair is coarse with colors ranging anywhere from sandy brown to cinnamon. They have grizzled black and buff-colored tips and their belly is white in color. They feed off a variety of things, ranging from wheatgrass and buffalo grass to flowers, seeds, roots, and insects.

Voles can live in a variety of habitats, ranging from sea-level to the mountains. They are agricultural pests that can also ruin lawns, gardens, golf courses, and ground covers. There will be a visible runway system with numerous burrowing openings around 1-2 inches in width.

Voles, also known as Meadow Mice or Field Mice, are small-bodied rodents with a blunt muzzle and a tail that is shorter than it’s body. They have small eyes and ears and can range in color from solid gray to brown or reddish brown. They are active all year long and feed off of plants, insects, and fungi.

In comparison to the typical “house mouse,” Deer Mice have larger eyes and ears, white feet and a tail that is sometimes as long as their entire body. This rodent will occupy nearly every habitat within its range. It is primarily a seed eater, but will also consume fruits, insects, fungi, and some green vegetation. They will build nests and store food in homes, cabins, and other structures that are not rodent-proof.

In comparison to the typical “house mouse,” a White-Footed Mouse will have larger eyes and ears, white feet and a tail that is sometimes as long as their entire body. This rodent prefers a habitat within wooded or bushy areas and will primarily feed off of seeds, but will also sometimes consume fruits, insects, fungi, and some green vegetation. White-Footed Mice will build nests and store food in homes, cabins, and other structures that are not rodent-proof.

Kangaroo Rats have long and powerful hind legs with small forelegs and a bristled tail. They have fur-lined cheek pouches similar to Pocket Gophers and range in color from a brownish-red color to a dark gray on the back. They have pure white under parts and dark markings on their face and tail. Primarily seed eaters, they will occasionally eat the vegetative parts of plants or even insects during certain times of the year.

An Oldfield Mouse will have white paws and a short tail. The underside of their body and tail is pure white, while their upper parts range in color from dark brown and cinnamon to light tan and almost pure white. Primarily seed-eaters, they will also sometimes consume insects and even small vertebrates. This rodent lives in burrows in habitats such as beach dunes, coastal islands, and abandoned fields.

A Roof Rat is a sleek and graceful rodent with a thin muzzle and a tail that extends to at least their snout. The color of it’s belly ranges from all white, all buff, or all gray. Their ears can be pulled over their eyes. They feed off of almost anything. They require a daily water intake. This rodent prefers warmer climates and often live in trees, residential areas, riverbanks, groves, and farms.

Also sometimes called the “Brown Rat, House Rat, Sewer Rat, Gray Rat, or Wharf Rat,” this rodent is slightly larger than the Roof Rat with a stocky and body built for burrowing. Its fur is coarse and usually brownish or reddish gray with a white-gray underbelly. They will eat almost anything but prefer to eat cereal grains, meats and fish, and some types of fruits. The Norway Rat can be found in lower elevations where humans live, such as residencies, warehouses, stores, docks, and in sewers.

A small and slender rodent that has a slightly pointed nose. They have small and black eyes, large ears, and a nearly hairless tail with noticeable scale rings. They are generally grayish-brown with a gray or buff-colored belly. They eat a variety of things, but prefer seeds and grains. They also prefer foods that are high in fat, protein, and sugar. Unlike Norway and Roof Rats, they can survive with little to no water. This rodent can be found in a variety of man-made habitats.