Common Rodents In Colorado and How to Control Them

aerial view of chicago with rodent image over it

Welcome to the wild west of rodent control! Where common rodents in Colorado evoke a sense of ruggedness and the need for swift action to control them. Dealing with pests can feel like entering an unpredictable and chaotic environment. So grab your cowboy hat and giddy up to rodent wrangling. Colorado style!

From the bustling streets of Denver to the serene slopes of the Rockies, rodents have a knack for making themselves at home in our homes. Identify the most common rodents: rats, mice, and voles, and learn how to control them to keep your homestead free from infestations, house damage, and health hazards.

Discover the DIY methods from traps and bait stations to flooding holes in your yard and even employing smoke bombs. Learn the tips and tricks you need to reclaim your home and yard from these furry freeloaders. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to call in a professional pest control expert. Wrangle those rodents before they wrangle you. Yeehaw!

Common Rodents of Colorado 

Colorado’s diverse landscape and varying climates provide habitat for several types of rodents that can sometimes find their way into our homes and gardens. Among the most prevalent are rats, mice, and voles. 

House Mice

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House mice, those tiny yet persistent invaders, are a common type of mice in Colorado. Sporting slender bodies, pointy noses, and oversized ears, these creatures measure in at just 5 to 7 inches in length, including their nearly furless 3 to 4 inch tail. They are light brown to gray and tip the scales at a mere half an ounce in adulthood. 

House mice are master builders, making nests from shredded paper or any other fibrous materials they can scavenge, often tucked away in quiet corners like drawers, floors, or even within the walls. If you catch a whiff of a musky odor, chances are you’re in the vicinity of a mouse nest. 

These rodents can slip through openings as small as a dime, about 0.25 inches in diameter, making it crucial to seal off even the tiniest cracks and crevices to keep them out. While they typically prefer night activity, house mice are adaptable creatures, known to stir about during the day as well. 

Signs of Infestation

Here are some unmistakable indicators that mice might be making themselves at home:

  • Droppings: Keep an eye out for tiny pellets scattered in areas frequented by mice. These mouse droppings, typically 3 to 6 mm long, resemble black grains of rice with pointed ends.
  • Sightings: Though they’re nocturnal by nature, don’t be shocked if you catch a glimpse of a house mouse scurrying around during the day.
  • Gnawing: Check for telltale signs of gnawing or chewing on various materials such as wood, paper, or wiring, indicating the presence of these stealthy nibblers.
  • Nests: Discover shredded materials like paper, fabric, or insulation tucked away in hidden nooks and crannies, where mice make nests for themselves.
  • Sounds: Listen closely for nighttime noises like scratching, squeaking, or scampering coming from within walls, ceilings, or under the floorboards: a sure sign of mouse activity.
  • Odor: Trust your nose to detect a musky, ammonia-like scent, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. This distinct odor could signal the presence of mouse urine or feces nearby.

Field Mice 

Field Mouse on green grass
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Field mice, with their distinctive features and habitat preferences, are another common rodent species encountered across the Colorado landscape. These little critters are characterized by their large eyes and white undersides, providing a sharp contrast to their dark-colored backs. Their tails, moderately furred and lighter on the bottom, sport a darker hue on top, adding to their unique appearance. 

Measuring between 5 to 8 inches from nose to tail, field mice are slightly larger than their house mouse counterparts.

When it comes to nesting, field mice display resourcefulness and adaptability. They construct their homes from a variety of materials, including twigs, leaves, and other fibrous substances. These nests can be found in a range of locations, from tree hollows to the undersides of rocks and logs, and occasionally even within buildings. Field mice can repurpose abandoned nests from squirrels or birds, making use of existing structures when available.

In terms of behavior, field mice are primarily nocturnal, preferring to spend their days nestled snugly in their nests. While mice don’t hibernate like some other rodents, they do enter a state of dormancy during the winter months, often huddling together in family groups to conserve warmth and energy. This behavior can sometimes lead them into human habitats in search of shelter and sustenance, particularly when outdoor conditions become harsh. 

Signs of Infestation

Signs of a deer mice invasion:

  • Nests: These nimble field mice are skilled nest builders, often crafting their homes in dark, secluded corners of your residence, including within mattresses. Be vigilant for signs of nesting activity in these hidden areas.
  • Droppings: Watch for tiny, dark droppings scattered across kitchen floors and near baseboards, indicating the presence of these stealthy critters.
  • Gnawing: Deer mice are notorious for their relentless chewing habits, often breaking into food packaging to satisfy their hunger. Keep an eye out for gnaw marks on wood, fabric, and plastic surfaces as telltale signs of their presence.

White-Footed Mice

pair of white footed mouses sitting together
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White-footed mice are a common sight in various environments across Colorado. These petite rodents typically measure between 5 to 8 inches in total length and weigh in at a modest 0.5 to 0.9 ounces. Their striking appearance is marked by upperparts ranging from pale to rich reddish-brown, creating a stark contrast with their white bellies and feet.

These resourceful creatures make themselves at home in a range of settings, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods and even agricultural areas. When it comes to nesting, white-footed mice have a penchant for cozy hideouts, such as hollow trees or abandoned bird nests. Their ability to adapt to diverse environments makes them adept at finding shelter and resources wherever they roam.

In the wild, white-footed mice play important roles in the ecosystem, serving as both predators and prey. Their presence helps to control insect populations while also providing sustenance for larger predators. However, when their populations surge or they venture into human habitats, they can become unwelcome guests, leading to conflicts with homeowners.

Signs of Infestation

If you suspect the presence of white-footed mice, keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

  • Gnaw marks: Check for gnaw marks on various surfaces such as wood, plastic, or cardboard. Like other rodents, white-footed mice possess sharp incisors that they use to gnaw and chew, whether to access food or create nesting materials. Keep an eye out for these distinctive marks as a sign of their presence.
  • Droppings: White-footed mice typically leave behind small, dark droppings resembling grains of rice. You might find them scattered along baseboards, inside cabinets, or near food sources. While these droppings may resemble those of house mice, they could indicate the presence of white-footed mice in your home.
  • Nests: White-footed mice are adept nest builders, using shredded materials like paper, fabric, or insulation. Look for nests in secluded areas such as attics, crawl spaces, or behind walls. These nests, similar to those of house mice, may indicate white-footed mouse activity in your home.

Roof Rats

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Roof rats are one type of rodent in Colorado renowned for their affinity for heights. With sleek and slender bodies, they’re built for easily scaling vertical surfaces. Sporting large eyes, prominent ears, and a pointy nose, these rodents are well-equipped for their aerial adventures, whether scampering along power lines, tree limbs, or downspouts.

They have brown fur with black spots, and with undersides showcasing shades of white, gray, or black, roof rats blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Measuring between 6 to 8 inches in head and body length, and boasting tails stretching from 7 to 10 inches, these agile climbers can exceed a total length of 16 inches. Weighing between 5 to 9 ounces on average, some individuals can tip the scales at up to 12 ounces.

Signs of Infestation

Indicators of roof rats making themselves at home:

  • Sightings: Keep an eye out for rats running along tree limbs, roofs, or power lines outside your home, which could signal an infestation.
  • Fruit or nut damage: Look for partially eaten fruit or nuts in your yard or near bird feeders.
  • Droppings: Watch out for dark, capsule-shaped droppings, typically about half an inch long with pointed ends. You may find them scattered around food storage areas, along baseboards, and in attic spaces.
  • Scratching noises: Listen for scratching or scurrying sounds coming from walls, ceilings, or attic spaces, especially at night when they are most active.
  • Gnaw marks: Check for chew marks on wood, plastic, or wiring, particularly in attics, along rooflines, and near potential entry points where roof rats may be gnawing their way in.
  • Grease marks: Search for greasy smudges along walls and baseboards, left behind as rats navigate through tight spaces and leave their mark.
  • Nesting materials: Be on the lookout for shredded paper, fabric, or plant matter used by roof rats to build nests. These nests are commonly found in insulation within areas like attics and walls.
  • Pet behavior: Pay attention to your pet’s behavior, as they may exhibit interest in areas where rodents are present, such as sniffing around corners or pawing at walls.

Norway Rat

an image of a norway rat
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Norway rats are a common type of rat in Colorado. They have a blunt nose and small ears without fur. Its coat ranges from dark grays or browns on top to lighter shades on its belly. When fully stretched out, it measures about 10 inches from nose to tail, with a naked tail that can be pink or brown.

These rodents aren’t lightweight either. Adult males can weigh up to 19 ounces, while females are around 12 ounces. They’re active at night and can swim, but climbing isn’t their strong suit. They’re known for sticking to the ground and digging burrows. These burrows serve as their homes, where they build intricate tunnel systems.

Signs of Infestation

Indicators of Norway rats taking up residence in your property:

  • Burrows: Norway rats are adept at excavation, making burrows in outdoor spaces like gardens, beneath sheds, or near building foundations. Look for openings typically 2 to 4 inches in diameter as signs of their subterranean activities.
  • Droppings: Keep an eye peeled for larger, oval-shaped droppings with blunt ends, measuring around three-quarters of an inch long. These droppings tend to accumulate along walls, in basements, or near food sources.
  • Food damage: Omnivorous by nature, Norway rats won’t shy away from a smorgasbord of foodstuffs, from grains to fruits, veggies, and even pet fare. Be on the lookout for chewed packaging, gnaw marks on stored food, or partially devoured items.
  • Gnaw marks: Scan surfaces for evidence of gnawing, especially on wood, plastic, or wiring. Norway rats leave behind chew marks characterized by rough, irregular edges as they gnaw everything on their way.
  • Nesting materials: Keep a lookout for shredded paper, cloth, or other fibrous materials used by Norway rats to make nests. These nests are often tucked away in concealed spots like burrows, basements, or crawl spaces.
  • Grease marks: Seek out greasy smudges along walls and baseboards, particularly in areas frequented by rats. These marks are remnants of the rats’ oily fur as they navigate through tight spaces.
  • Pet behavior: Observe your furry companions for any unusual behavior, such as agitation, heightened alertness, or attempts to chase or capture rodents. Pets may provide valuable clues to the presence of rats, especially in areas where rodent activity is high.

Pack Rats 

pack rat sitting and looking upward
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Pack rats weigh between 7 to 21 ounces and measure around 13 to 17 inches long, tail included. Their colors range from light brown to gray, with a white belly and a bushy, grayish tail.

Pack rats prefer cozy spots like caves, rockslides, or abandoned buildings to call home. They’re not just homebodies, though they’re also avid collectors. You’ll find them scavenging for all sorts of odds and ends to stash away in their nests, whether for snacking, saving, or shoring up their walls.

These rats have a peculiar habit. They’re not shy about marking their territory. Yep, everything in their nest gets a little sprinkle of urine. Over time, this helps cement their belongings in place, adding to the structural integrity of their nests.

Signs of Infestation

Here’s what to watch for to determine if pack rats have moved in:

  • Shiny object collections: Pack rats have a quirky penchant for hoarding shiny or colorful objects to decorate their nests. Look for piles of small items such as coins, bottle caps, jewelry, or other gleaming trinkets near their nesting areas.
  • Nests: Keep a lookout for sizable nests made from twigs, branches, leaves, and assorted debris. These conspicuous structures are often nestled in trees, shrubs, woodpiles, or abandoned nooks like sheds or old vehicles.
  • Gnaw marks: Check for distinct gnaw marks on wooden surfaces, wiring, plastic pipes, and similar materials. Unlike some rodents, pack rats prefer softer materials like wood for gnawing, leaving behind their markings.
  • Droppings: Pack rats droppings tend to be smaller and darker compared to those of Norway rats. Keep an eye out for these scattered near their nests or along their usual pathways.
  • Sightings: While pack rats typically steer clear of human contact and are most active at night, you might catch a glimpse of them during the early morning or evening hours as they forage for food or nesting materials.
  • Pet behavior: Take note of your pet’s behavior, as they may display signs of noticing or attempting to chase pack rats.

Voles

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Voles are common rodents in Colorado, known for their chestnut-brown hue with black intermingled fur and dark gray underparts. They have short, furry tails and round faces. Their bodies are quite compact, with short legs and tiny eyes. Their tails start dark and then fade to a lighter color. Grown-up voles usually measure around 5 to 7 inches long, tail included, and can weigh up to 16 ounces.

These rodents like to be in open areas near houses, like gardens and lawns. That’s where they set up their homes, digging tunnels underground. They spend most of their time scurrying through these tunnels, which are about 1.5 to 2 inches wide. Unlike some other rodents, they’re not into climbing, so you won’t usually find them inside houses. They prefer sticking close to their tunnel networks, where they feel secure.

Signs of Infestation

These tiny rodents, while not posing a threat to human health, can destroy your landscape. Here are the key indicators that suggest voles may be living in your yard:

  • Runways: Keep an eye out for shallow, visible pathways in grassy areas, gardens, or under snow cover, typically measuring 1 to 2 inches wide. These are created as voles scurry about in search of food.
  • Tunnels: Look for small ground openings leading to underground tunnels, often hidden beneath vegetation or debris, providing voles with shelter and protection.
  • Tree damage: Check for bark girdling on trees, especially during winter when food is scarce. Chew marks and gnawing in your yard indicate vole activity.
  • Holes: Search for scattered burrow entrances, approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter, concealed under vegetation or mulch in your lawn or garden.
  • Frequent sightings: While primarily active at night, you may occasionally spot voles during the day, particularly in areas with dense populations.
  • Spongy soil: Beneath your feet, you might feel a slightly spongy texture in the soil above vole tunnels, which can range from shallow to extending up to 12 inches underground.
  • Droppings: Keep an eye out for small, cylindrical vole droppings, resembling mouse droppings but slightly larger. These are often found along their runways or near feeding areas.

How to Remove Rodents in Your Home in Colorado

If you’ve stumbled upon a rodent rodeo in your Colorado home, it’s time to rustle up a solution. Turning a blind eye to the infestation can spell trouble, from gnawed wires to health hazards. Luckily, you’ve got three options to wrangle the situation: setting up traps, laying out bait stations, or roping in a rodent exterminator to ride herd on the pests.

Traps

mouse in a live trap
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When you’re tackling critters invading your space, traps are a go-to and effective solution. You’ve got three main types to wrangle rodents:

  • Snap traps: These traps pack a punch with a spring-loaded mechanism ready to snap shut when a critter comes sniffing. Crafted from wood or sturdy plastic, you need to bait them with a rodent treat (usually peanut butter). One swift snap, and it’s lights out for the intruder.

    Warning: Handle snap traps with care, to steer clear of any accidental showdowns. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and set them up strategically to minimize any risk to other non-targeted animals.
  • Electronic traps: Embracing modern tech, these traps deliver a quick and clean kill. Fitted with sensors sharper than a Rocky Mountain breeze, they zap any critter bold enough to step inside with a swift electric jolt.

    Warning: While electronic traps offer a hands-free solution, they still need a steady hand. Mind the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep them away from curious kids and pets.
  • Live traps: For those rodents that you want to give a second chance, live traps come to the rescue. These sturdy boxes come equipped with a trigger mechanism that gently shuts the door once the rodent saunters inside.

    Warning: Live traps are the humane option, but they need a gentle touch. A captured rodent might lash out, so best to handle them with a towel and gloves to avoid any unpleasant surprises. When it’s time to release the rodent, make sure it’s at least 5 miles away from your home.

Bait Stations

When it comes to getting rid of rodents, bait stations are another trusty tool in the kit. These containers are designed to keep rodent bait safe from curious kids and pets while still letting pests get a nibble.

They are sturdy plastic boxes, rugged as a Colorado mountain, with little openings just big enough for rodents to slip inside and chow down on the bait.

Warning: The bait stations might attract other animals too. The rodent that ate the bait may also die inside your home walls. Well, let’s just say that odor ain’t gonna be pleasant.

Hire a Rodent Exterminator

When it comes to controlling rodents in Colorado, sometimes you need to call in a professional rodent exterminator. These experts know their way around and typically charge between $245 to $430 for their services, but let me tell you, it’s money well spent.

Here’s what their plan usually entails:

  • Inspection: The exterminator will inspect your property scouting out every nook and cranny to suss out the extent of the rodent invasion and pinpoint sneaky entry points.
  • Pest removal: Once they’ve got the lay of the land, they’ll unleash their arsenal of tricks to round up the pest from traps, bait stations, and other techniques exclusive to the rodent exterminator’s trade.
  • Sealing entry points: To keep rodents from staging a comeback, the exterminator will seal off any entry points with the precision of a mountain craftsman. This makes your home less inviting and cuts down on future invasions.

Hiring a professional rodent exterminator ain’t just about getting rid of rodents it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind knowing that your problem is in the capable hands of trained professionals.

How to Remove Rodents in Your Yard in Colorado

If you are dealing with rodents in your Colorado yard, swift action is vital to stave off chaos. Here are some trusty tactics, tried and true to get rid of rodents.

Flood Out the Burrows 

One savvy maneuver to send rodents packing is to flood out their burrows or entry points. Grab your garden hose and let loose water into their tunnels, giving them the old heave-ho.

Warning: Mind your step! This tactic might ruffle some rodent feathers, especially if they’re forced to flee their hideouts. Plus, it’s just a temporary fix. Seal the holes with soil to keep rodents from moseying back in.

Use Live Traps

For a more humane approach, opt for live traps that trap the rodents without causing harm. Snap traps and other lethal traps, when set outdoors, might do more harm than good to our local wildlife.

Load up live traps with bait like peanut butter or nuts, luring pests inside for capture. Once caught, release them back to the wild, far from your home.

Warning: Handle live traps with care, they might get aggressive when stressed. Release the rodent at least 5 miles away from your home.

Use Smoke Bombs

Use smoke bombs and let them fill the burrows with a cloud of smoke and fumes, giving rodents a swift eviction notice. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a T and take necessary safety precautions.

Warning: While smoke bombs might work in the short term, they won’t tackle the root cause of the infestation or keep the critters from making a return visit. Seal holes with soil to keep rodents at bay.

By using these approved tactics, you’ll be well on your way to reclaiming your yard from unwanted rodents. But if things start getting out of hand, don’t hesitate to call in a rodent exterminator to help you with pests.

Rodent Prevention Tips for Your House in Colorado

trimming of spring plants
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Here are some tips to help you keep rodents at bay and maintain a rodent-free home in Colorado:

  • Maintain tidiness: Keep your home spick and span by tidying up crumbs and spills. Don’t let garbage linger: toss it in sealed bins without delay.
  • Seal entry points: Give your home a thorough once-over to spot any sneaky gaps or cracks in walls, floors, or foundations. Seal up tight with caulk or steel wool, paying extra attention to spots where pipes and wires enter inside your home.
  • Keep food fortified: Store your food in sturdy containers made of glass, metal, or tough plastic to keep rodents from sniffing it out. Say no to leaving food on the counter or in open bags.
  • Trim the greenery: Keep your trees and shrubs in check to prevent critters from using them as a launchpad to your roof or attic.
  • Control outdoor access: Keep your outdoor spaces clean and clutter-free to deprive rodents of hiding spots or cozy nesting materials.
  • Stay vigilant: Make it a habit to regularly inspect both the inside and outside of your home for any signs of rodent mischief, like droppings, gnaw marks, or nests.
  • Pet protocol: If you’ve got pets, don’t leave their food out overnight. Store it securely and clean up any spills pronto to avoid attracting rodents.

With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your home rodent-free.

Rodent Prevention Tips for Your Colorado Yard

Rodents may be a persistent pest, but with a little proactive effort, you can thwart their attempts to turn your yard into their home. Here’s how:

  • Remove clutter: Rodents thrive in chaos, so keep your yard tidy by clearing away wood piles, debris, and any overgrown vegetation.
  • Trim vegetation: Give those tree branches, shrubs, and bushes a haircut to eliminate hiding spots and entry points for rodents. Keep a clear gap between vegetation and your home’s exterior.
  • Maintain your backyard: Keep that outdoor space in tip-top shape by trimming bushes, mowing the lawn regularly, and promptly clearing away any clutter or debris piles. Keep firewood and trash bins away from your home’s perimeter to discourage rodent visits.
  • Safeguard against voles: Voles demand special attention. Consider installing underground fences to foil their burrowing ambitions, and shield trees and shrubs with tree guards to fend off vole gnawing. When planting bulbs, employ bulb baskets to deter voles from digging them up.
  • Be careful with bird feeders: While our feathered friends are delightful, their feeders can unwittingly lure rodents with spilled seeds. Keep things tidy by cleaning up seed spillage regularly, bringing the feeder indoors at night, and opting for feeders designed to minimize waste.
  • Eliminate water sources: Cover up that pool, fix any leaky faucets, and give those irrigation lines a once-over. Keep an eye on your pet’s water bowls.
  • Compost with care: If you’re composting, opt for a fully enclosed bin with a snug-fitting lid. Avoid tossing in grease, meat, or dairy products, and keep that compost moist while giving it a regular turn. This makes it less inviting for rodents to set up.

By putting these preventive measures into action, you’ll be fortifying your yard against rodent intruders and lowering the risk of infestation.

FAQ About Rodents in Colorado

Are there kangaroo rats in Colorado?

Yes, kangaroo rats are found in Colorado, particularly in the southeastern region of the state. They inhabit arid and semi-arid areas with sandy soils, such as grasslands, shrublands, and desert habitats. Kangaroo rats are known for their unique adaptations to desert life, including their ability to survive without drinking water and their kangaroo-like hopping locomotion.

What type of water rodents can you find in Colorado?

In Colorado, you can find several types of water rodents, including muskrats, beavers, and nutria. Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents commonly found in wetland habitats, while beavers are known for their construction of dams and lodges in freshwater environments. Nutria, also called coypu, are found in wetlands. 

What other rodents can you find in Colorado besides rats, mice, and voles?

In addition to rats, mice, and voles, Colorado is home to a variety of other rodents. Among these are pocket gophers, chipmunks, and squirrels, including species like the Wyoming ground squirrel and the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, commonly found in open habitats. Colorado also hosts several species of prairie dogs and kangaroo rats.

Hire a Pro to Get Rid of Rodents in Colorado

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to tackle common rodents invading your Colorado home, remember that there’s always one more ace up your sleeve: calling in the pros. 

When the going gets tough and the critters get crafty, there’s no shame in contacting a pest control professional to lend a hand. So, whether you are battling pack rats in Boulder or voles in Vail, trust a local pro to send them packing. They can save the day, ensuring your home stays as pristine as the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. 

Main Image Credits:
Background: Sean Pavone / Canva Pro / License
Rodent: StockPhotoAstur / Canva Pro / License

Cecilia Acevedo

Cecilia is a writer focused on keeping homes clean and healthy. When not exposing the secrets of home invaders, she digs into the latest pest news, offering practical tips to kick them out. Join Cecilia for straightforward information and advice on dealing with pesky intruders.