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The rodents in Connecticut play an important role in the ecosystem. They help disperse seeds, they construct burrows that serve as homes for several other animals, and they serve as a food source for many predators. However, that doesn’t mean you want them on your property. Here is a look at the most popular rodents in Connecticut, including what they look like and why they might be a concern.

Rats, Mice & Voles

There are many different species of this rodent family in Connecticut, including the white-footed mouse, a meadow vole, and a woodland vole. Together, mice, rats, and voles make up the most popular rodents of Connecticut. Additionally, they are the most concerning. Why? Because these are the creatures that infest your home.

If not stopped, they can make their way into all of the crevices of your home. They come out at night while you are sleeping, and they reproduce faster than most mammals. In fact, some species of voles can give birth just two months after being born. And since they inhabit everything from your closets to your pantry, they can also spread diseases and parasites to your family. Here is how to identify these three related rodents in CT:

• Mice – These are the rodents in Connecticut that you will probably see the most often. They are easily recognizable by their long, thin, hairy tail, their large floppy ears, and their triangular snout. Mice are either gray, white, or brown, and measure between 12-20 cm in length, including the tail.
• Rats – These rodents in CT are much larger than mice. In fact, rats usually weigh twice as much as mice. You can also identify a rat by its hairless, scaly tail, its shorter snout, and the fact that it leaves grease marks where it steps.
• Voles – The vole is smaller than a mouse, yet still very similar in appearance. You can identify a vole by its shorter tail, rounder head, smaller ears, and stouter body.

Squirrels & Chipmunks

These rodents of Connecticut are usually not a concern to homeowners, but they may make their way indoors if they temperatures get too cold or if they can find a secluded area to hide. That being said, if you have a garden or ornamental plants, squirrels and chipmunks can be your worst nightmare. They eat fruits, flowers, and nuts, and they don’t care who planted them. Here is how to identify these rodents in CT:

• Squirrels – In Connecticut, you will see gray squirrels, red squirrels, and flying squirrels. They will usually be in the trees feeding on the plants and fruits. Squirrels are easy to recognize by their long, fluffy tails. Flying squirrels also have a membrane connecting their front and back legs so they can glide between trees.
• Chipmunks – Chipmunks are much smaller than squirrels, they have smaller tails that stay horizontal, and they have stripes along their backs. Chipmunks are primarily ground animals and are known for stuffing their cheeks with nuts and food.

While the above are the most popular rodents in Connecticut, there are some other species that you may come across from time to time. These include beavers, porcupines, and woodchucks. They may wreak havoc on your yard, but it is extremely rare to see any of these rodents inside.

If you think you have any type of rodent living on your property, make sure to contact us immediately. We know how to safely and effectively eliminate them from your property without putting the ecosystem that relies on them at risk.