Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Rodents
Hearing Scratching Sounds from Inside Your Walls?
Rodent Pest Control in Rolla, MO and Central Missouri
Rodents are one of the most common and destructive pests found in homes and businesses across Rolla and Central Missouri. From mice nesting in attic insulation to rats invading storage rooms and pantries, these pests are known carriers of disease, capable of chewing through wiring, contaminating food, and damaging structures. Worse yet, they breed quickly and often go undetected until the infestation has grown. If you're dealing with signs of rodents, Plank Termite & Pest Control offers Rodent Pest Control that’s fast, thorough, and backed by over 24 years of experience. We proudly serve Rolla, Osage Beach, Lebanon, Waynesville, Camdenton and surrounding Central Missouri communities with expert termite inspection, prevention, and treatment—and bring the same care to protecting your space from rodents.
Rodent Identification
Knowing which type of rodent you're dealing with helps determine how severe the threat is—and how best to eliminate it. Here's a breakdown of the most common species in the region:
House Mouse
- Size: 2.5–4 inches long (excluding tail)
- Color: Light brown or gray with a lighter belly
- Where They’re Found: Inside kitchens, pantries, walls, attics, and basements
- Evidence: Droppings (1/8 inch, rod-shaped), gnaw marks, scratching sounds, nests in insulation
- Behavior: Curious and active; enter through small cracks and reproduce quickly
Meadow Mice (Voles)
- Size: 4–7 inches long
- Color: Brown or gray, stockier than a typical mouse
- Where They’re Found: Outdoors in grassy areas, under mulch or shrubbery; can enter garages and crawlspaces
- Evidence: Runways in grass, chewed vegetation, small droppings
- Behavior: Primarily outdoor pests that may damage landscaping
Deer Mouse
- Size: 3–4 inches long (tail adds another 2–5 inches)
- Color: Brown with white underbelly and feet
- Where They’re Found: Rural structures, barns, sheds, cabins
- Evidence: Nesting materials in corners, droppings, potential hantavirus risk
- Behavior: Nocturnal, rarely seen during the day
Norway Rat
- Size: 7–10 inches long (plus 6–8 inch tail)
- Color: Brown or gray with a blunt nose and thick body
- Where They’re Found: Basements, crawlspaces, near garbage or food storage areas
- Evidence: Grease marks on walls, large droppings, gnawed items
- Behavior: Burrowers and aggressive chewers; may carry disease
Roof Rat
- Size: 6–8 inches long (tail often longer than body)
- Color: Black or dark brown with a pointed nose and slender build
- Where They’re Found: Attics, ceilings, upper cabinets, wall voids
- Evidence: Droppings, nesting materials, sounds in upper areas of structures
- Behavior: Excellent climbers; more common in multi-story or urban buildings
Think You’ve Got a Rodent Problem?
Call or text (573) 368-3333 to schedule your inspection with Plank Termite & Pest Control. We’ll identify the species, find the source, and keep them from coming back.
What to Watch For
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Rodents are stealthy—but they leave behind clear indicators. If you’re seeing or hearing any of the following, it’s time to act:
- Droppings in drawers, cabinets, pantries, or under sinks
- Gnaw marks on wires, food packaging, or furniture
- Scratching or movement sounds behind walls or ceilings
- Grease trails or smudges along walls and baseboards
- Nests made of shredded paper, insulation, or fabric
- Unusual pet behavior or strong ammonia-like odors
Even a small rodent presence can grow quickly into a larger infestation.
Keeping Rodents Out
How to Protect Your Property from Mice and Rats in Central Missouri
Mice and rats in this region are drawn to food, warmth, and nesting sites—especially as weather cools. Homes, restaurants, warehouses, and farms all offer what they need.
- Keep all food (including pet food) in sealed containers
- Seal cracks in foundations, walls, and around pipes or vents
- Remove outdoor clutter like woodpiles, leaf piles, and trash
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the home to eliminate access routes
- Inspect attics, garages, and crawlspaces regularly
- Schedule seasonal rodent prevention with a licensed professional
Routine inspections and exclusion work can stop rodents before they become a costly issue.
FAQs About Rodents
What’s the difference between a mouse and a rat?
Mice are smaller (2.5–4 inches), with thin tails and pointed noses. Rats are larger (7–10 inches), have thicker bodies, blunt noses, and leave larger droppings. Rats tend to be more destructive.
Are rodents dangerous?
Yes. Rodents can carry diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. They also pose a fire risk by chewing wires and cause extensive property damage.
How do rodents get inside?
They can squeeze through openings as small as a dime (mice) or quarter (rats). Gaps in doors, vents, and foundation cracks are common entry points.
Do rodents only come inside in winter?
While infestations are more common in fall and winter, rodents can invade at any time if food or shelter is available.
Can I use traps or bait myself?
DIY methods may reduce numbers temporarily, but they rarely solve the root problem. Professional exclusion and follow-up are key to long-term control.
We Stand Behind Every Service
Plank Termite & Pest Control backs every rodent treatment with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you're hearing squeaks or spotting droppings—don't wait. Call or text (573) 368-3333 today to schedule your rodent inspection and treatment.
Beth Reddington
He did a great job and he answered all of my questions thank you.
Dorothy Hand
Termite inspection, Termite extermination, Cockroach extermination, General wildlife removal
Jacob did a nice job of taking care of the squirrel nest. No chemicals were needed. Personable young man who was clear about what was needed and helped to remedie the problem.
Carolyne Simpson
They are a small family owned local business and very pleasant always. They keep me on track by reminding me that it's time to spray every 6 months. They do a very thorough job for a reasonable price.
Chris Kallaos
Plank always does a great job for us. They show up when they say they will, and their treatments are effective.
Anne Chida
Very nice people to deal with. The treatment was odorless and really reduced my unwanted guests. Happy to find their company.
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