Rodents Found in North County San Diego

Common House Mouse

 Common House Mice are usually a dusky gray to light brown in color, and have rather large ears. They are excellent climbers and are able to fit through openings ¼ inch in diameter, 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 5 weeks.

Roof Rat

Roof Rats are black or brown and can be 12-14 inches long, 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 under buildings, or in piles of rubbish or wood. They are great climbers that can often be found in the upper parts of structures. 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, approximately 18 inches long. As stated in their name, they burrow in the ground instead of in trees. Between uprooting plants for their home and having a plant based diet, these squirrels are a nuisance to homeowners.

Gopher

Gophers are small rodents that burrow and live mostly in the ground. Their diet consists of vegetation, mostly the roots of plants, making them a terror in a garden, planter, or yard. If they are eating a plant above ground, they will pop their head out of a burrow and grab the nearest plant and pull the entire plant into their hole.