Roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice are common pests across all states. While they may look similar at first glance, mice are much smaller, with a smoother coat and a long, thin tail. Rats can grow to up to one pound and have a rough coat with a thick, scaly tail. They can infest homes in their search for food, water, and shelter.

• Rats are prolific breeders reaching reproductive age between three and four months and can give birth to up to 10 pups every three weeks. Mice can give birth to up to 60 pups in a single year.

• Pathogens found in rat and mouse feces and urine can cause severe illness and disease in humans.

• An adult mouse can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime. Some rats can get through an opening the size of a quarter.

• Signs of a rat or mouse infestation include droppings, scratching sounds in the walls and ceiling, and gnaw marks in baseboards, floors, and food containers.