A Guide to Avoiding a Rodent Infestation in Your Massachusetts Home 

Aging homes, climate, and urban expansion all play vital roles in the rise of rodent infestations in homes. Mice and rats can squeeze through tiny openings to enter human spaces and cause any number of problems, including potential structural damage and the spread of dangerous germs.

Why Rodents Are a Growing Problem in Massachusetts

Data from the Woburn Daily Times shows that nearly 16% of Massachusetts’ households must deal with rodent issues. Compare that number to the national average of 11.6%, and it becomes clear that the Bay State is facing a substantial rodent infestation problem.

Boston routinely makes it onto the list of top 10 U.S. cities with rodent problems, but it’s not the only hotspot in the state. In December 2024, rodent issues shut down a movie theater in Methuen, and schools also had to implement rodent prevention plans due to high levels of mouse activity. The town of Swampscott was forced to enact rodent infestation strategies to deal with elevated rodent activity. Additional areas with high levels of rodent activity include Worcester, Essex, and Suffolk counties, all of which rank among the top 10 rodent hotspots in the U.S.

Why Massachusetts Homes Are Vulnerable to Rodent Infestations 

According to various reports, Massachusetts is the 15th most rodent infested state in the U.S. The average age of the homes is one of the factors that can contribute to this issue, and Massachusetts housing is among the oldest in the country. Although historic homes offer stunning architecture and charm, they can also bring an increased risk of pest infestations and require stricter residential pest control strategies. Dated construction techniques and aging building materials can lead to a higher number of entry points, making it easier for critters to slip inside.

Urban and Suburban Rodent Infestation Hotspots

Cities worldwide are experiencing increasing rodent populations. Dense human populations, warmer temperatures, and increased availability of food are among the chief factors driving high rodent populations in cities like Boston, Worcester, Cambridge, Lowell, and others. Likewise, growing suburban populations are also experiencing higher numbers of infestations. Easy access to fields and wooded areas increases the risk of mice and rats entering human spaces. 

Seasonal Risks: When Rodents Are Most Active 

The Northeastern U.S. is more prone to rodent activity than areas in the south, largely because the colder climate sends rodents scurrying indoors in search of shelter. Many Massachusetts homeowners report increased activity during fall and winter, when rodents seek warmth inside sheds, garages, attics, basements, and other areas of the home.

Mice vs. Rats — What’s Invading Your Home? 

Identifying the rodents infesting your home is the key to effectively eliminating them. Explore some of the most common species in the state and get tips on how to differentiate them.

The Most Common Rodents in Massachusetts 

Typical Massachusetts rodent infestations are caused by the following species of mice and rats: 

• House Mice: These mice, also commonly called brown mice or domestic house mice, nest in sheltered spots, including wall voids and attics. 
• Deer Mice: These tiny critters tend to infest areas like pantries and kitchen cabinets, typically nesting close to food sources. 
• White-Footed Mice: These rodents love nesting in hollow areas, including in attics, wall voids, and basements. 
• Norway Rats: These rats, also sometimes called sewer rats, typically stick to lower-level areas, including basements, crawl spaces, garbage dumps, and spaces under buildings. 

How to Tell the Difference 

It can be challenging to differentiate between mice and rats. Understanding where they tend to nest is a good starting point. Knowing more about the characteristics of each species can also help you figure out the species in question.

• House Mice: Three to four inches long with hairless tails and gray or brown fur 
• Deer Mice: Five to eight inches long with deer-like coloring, including white fur on their undersides and darker fur on their backs 
• White-Footed Mice: Five to eight inches long with reddish-brown fur, white bellies, bi-colored tails, large ears, and white feet 
• Norway Rats: Gray-brown fur and up to 18 inches in length, including their hairless tails 

Signs of a Rodent Infestation in Your Massachusetts Home 

Hint — the sooner you know you have rodents, the easier it will be to control the infestation. So, how can you spot a potential infestation?

Early Warning Signs of a Rodent Infestation 

Rodents are typically nocturnal, so you might not see live rats or mice scurrying about during the day. However, you might come across telltale signs of rodents, such as the following: 

• Droppings, dark-colored pellets found near food items, in cupboards and drawers, and floors 
• Scratching sounds in ceilings, walls, and other areas 
• Gnaw marks on wires, food packaging, or structural elements 
• Nesting materials like shredded paper and insulation are strewn about 
• Greasy-looking runways where rodents frequently travel 
• Stale, musty odors

The Risks of Ignoring a Rodent Infestation 

Ignoring the signs of an infestation, or missing them altogether, can have serious consequences. First, rodents pose a health risk and can contaminate foods and surfaces with dozens of potential pathogens. Contact with urine, saliva, and droppings can expose you and your family to illness-causing germs. Additionally, rodents are known to continually chew on everything, including wooden beams, walls, and wires. Beyond property damage, they are also rapid breeders, with mice having as many as six babies every three weeks.

How to Avoid a Rodent Infestation in Your Massachusetts Home 

Taking a proactive approach can help keep your home safe from these clever and messy pests. Homeowners can make a real difference by following important preventative measures and calling for professional help at the first sign of an infestation.

DIY Rodent Infestation Prevention Tips

• Seal openings, including small holes and gaps around utility lines and pipes 
• Eliminate access to food with strict sanitation and rodent-proof food storage 
• Promptly fix plumbing leaks to remove water sources 
• Eliminate clutter, which can encourage rodents by giving them ample places to hide and nest 
• Clean up outdoor spaces and keep lawns mowed, trees and shrubs trimmed, and bird feeders far from the house

Why Professional Rodent Infestation Control Is the Best Solution 

For long-term residential rodent control, it’s critical to partner with professionals. Pest control pros have the education and training to identify the rodents infesting the home and deal with them accordingly. With help from the right professionals, you can achieve short-term success with efficient rodent removal and lasting control with preventive tips. For example, exclusion measures like Cat-Guard offer a permanent, chemical-free barrier to keep rodents and other pests out of protected areas.

Catseye Pest Control: Your Massachusetts Rodent Infestation Experts 

Catseye has more than four decades of experience serving homeowners throughout Massachusetts, including those living in Boston, Worcester, Swampscott, Cambridge, and Lowell. The Catseye approach focuses on prevention and year-round protection, offering a reduced need for chemical control and greater overall peace of mind.

Schedule Your Rodent Inspection Today

If you suspect you have a rodent infestation, don’t delay. Contact our pest control company for a free inspection to kickstart the removal process. Our licensed professionals will check out your entire home, inside and out, and figure out why and how rodents are getting in to help you form a plan to get rid of them for good.

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