The 5 most common rodents in Quebec

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 In Extermination, Tips & Tricks

Rodents are small and stocky mammals with long teeth that live in communities. There are more than 200 species worldwide. In Quebec, there are several dozen species of rodents.

These animals are often victims of misconceptions and do not want to harm us, but they can cause harm when they enter our homes to keep warm and look for food. When this happens, hiring exterminators is THE solution since experienced specialists know how to deal with rodents.

Here are the 5 most common rodent species in Quebec:

  1. Mice
  2. Rats
  3. Squirrels
  4. Beavers
  5. Groundhogs

1. Mice

Mice hold the record for the largest rodent species in Quebec, although their numbers are not counted because there are so many of them. There are millions upon millions of them in the province.

  • Characteristics: small animals of less than 10 centimeters excluding the tail, mice weigh about 30 grams. Their coat is brown or black. They usually live between 2 and 3 years. They have the ability to squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel.
  • Habitats and habits: mice are omnivorous and love fruits, nuts, seeds and dishes prepared by humans. their reproductive cycle is very short, they proliferate rapidly and the situation can quickly get out of hand. During an infestation, getting rid of mice in a garage or shed can be complicated.
  • Risks and damage caused: traces of excrement and urine that these pests regularly leave behind are particularly problematic. Coming into contact with contaminated areas can lead to hantavirus, a rare respiratory disease that can be fatal to humans. At the slightest suspicion, contact our mouse extermination service.

2. Rats

According to various experts, there are 6 million rats in Montreal. They easily wander into the city and get into houses to protect themselves from the cold. Throughout the winter, our rat exterminators intervene everywhere in the province to drive them out.

  • Characteristics: sometimes confused with mice, rats are bigger, fatter and do not have the same coat. The black rat can weigh more than 500 grams and measure more than 25 cm without counting the tail.
  • Habitats and habits: during cold weather, they regularly invade the attics and basements of houses. Once settled, they reproduce very quickly and can cause property damages and contamination.
  • Risks and damages caused: these rodents degrade the insulation of our houses and come into our kitchens to find food. Moreover, like most rodents, these small invaders are carriers of various diseases and parasites that they can transmit to humans.

3. Squirrels

According to TheCanadianEncyclopedia, there are 262 species of squirrels in the world. In the province, it is common to come across them in the city and especially around parks where they play hide-and-seek with visitors.

  • Characteristics: the grey squirrel is the most common squirrel in Quebec. It measures between 35 and 50 centimeters long, not counting its tail which is about 20 centimeters in length, and weighs about 600 grams.
  • Habitat and habits: the squirrel is an arboreal species. They often settle in leaf nests or in tree hollows. They love acorns and therefore live mainly in nut trees.
  • Risks and damage caused: even if they do not seem dangerous, squirrels can cause a lot of property damage. Every winter, our pest control caulking service has to intervene on roofs after squirrels have created holes to hide and protect themselves from the cold, making it easier for other pests to gain access as well.

4. Beavers

With its flat tail, large teeth and shiny coat, the beaver is certainly Canada’s most iconic rodent.  Unfortunately, polluted waters and beaver hunting have made it an endangered species.

  • Characteristics: the largest rodent in North America, the beaver is about 1 meter long without its tail and can weigh up to 30kg. It is shy and rarely shows itself to humans.
  • Habitat and habits: living near lakes and rivers, beavers rarely stray from their natural habitat. Since they find their food in their direct environment, there is no reason for them to approach towns and villages to come and dig through our garbage cans.
  • Risks and damage caused: it is an adorable rodent that leaves people in peace. It only attacks wood to create dams.

5. Groundhogs

Unlike the vast majority of rodents found in Quebec, groundhogs are solitary animals that can also cause property damage.

  • Characteristics: not counting the tail, this mammal is about 50 centimeters long. Its hair is grey or brown and its large claws help it to dig deep burrows. They are often compared to squirrels.
  • Habitats and habits: although they also live in a wild environment, they are not afraid to approach houses to scavenge, especially at the end of winter when they come out of hibernation.
  • Risks and damage caused: well known to gardeners, they can destroy your vegetable garden and invade your backyard with their underground burrows. They turn soil and stones upside down, which can prevent vegetation from developing and even cause soil erosion over time.

 

Hire a professional exterminator to deal with rodent infestations in Quebec

Many rodents live in Quebec. While some live in their natural habitat, other more invasive rodents are adapting to their new urban environment. If you notice their presence in or around your home, you should take action to avoid any potentially dangerous cohabitation.

E.Exterminator offers a wide range of pest management services to protect your home and yourself from rodent infestations. Don’t wait for the situation to get worse before contacting us. You can call us or submit your request online to speak with our team. We will be happy to help you.

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