Dealing with rodent pests? How do you know what kind they are and how to deal with them? Find out the differences between types of rodents in this guide.

Out of all American homeowners, almost 30% have experienced a rodent problem. If you think you might have a rodent infestation, you aren't alone. Curious about the types of rodents that may infest your home? We can help inform you. Here are some of the most common rodents found in U.S. homes. 

Deer mice can be found throughout the U.S. They like areas with vegetation for cover and make nests in rural areas, like fences and hollow trees. But during the winter they may end up in your garages or sheds in an attempt to keep warm. To keep them out of your home, avoid keeping pet food or birdseed in outdoor storage sheds or garages. It will make an already attractive living area even more appealing. And make sure to seal any potential entry holes to avoid giving them a path through which to enter your home. Deer mice are dangerous because they're a common carrier of Hantavirus. It can spread through dust contaminated with deer mice saliva, urine, or feces. If you spot an infestation, call a pest control company right away to avoid exposing yourself to this dangerous virus.

House mice are also found throughout the country. They like to nest in secluded, dark areas, making structures in your home their ideal location. House mice can jump up to a foot high to reach different areas and can fit through openings that are as small as a dime. They like to live in areas that have easy food access. So if you have seeds, grains, fruit, and dog food, try to keep it in airtight containers. Always clean up crumbs and take the garbage out daily.

As always, you'll want to block off their access points by sealing any gaps you find around your home. If house mice infest your home, they can damage your property by chewing through materials and wires. And they are disease carriers, so if they get into your food it can lead to contamination.

These types of rodents are also known as meadow or field mice. Like deer mice, they prefer outdoor vegetation but will go indoors for shelter or warmth. They're very common in the northern U.S. and like to use mixed grasses to make nests in dark, covered, and secluded locations. The best way to prevent infestations is to install a fine-mesh fence that is a foot above and a foot below the ground. This will prevent them from climbing under or over the fence.

Norway rats are found across the U.S. and like to nest in basements. They like to build burrows near food sources and tend to only come indoors when outdoor food becomes harder to find. Norway rats can smell food through walls and packaging, so keep your food inside airtight containers. Avoid giving them water access by controlling humidity and patching up any leaks. Finally, declutter your home so they won't use garbage and debris to build nests. Like house mice, Norway rats are a threat to your home because they can gnaw through many materials. And they're disease vectors that can also introduce mites and fleas.

Roof rats are found on the coast and in the south of the U.S. They are common in upper ships and buildings because they're great at climbing. They like to create colonies in and around structures and trees. They like to forage in large groups and will repeatedly return to a food source once they find one. Keep your garbage in tight bins and clean up any fruit that might be in your yard. Roof rats are also disease vectors, so be careful if you encounter them.

Now you know the types of rodents that frequently infest homes. Concerned about a rodent infestation? Don't wait: call a pest control company and get your home checked out today!