Identifying your uninvited guest is the first step toward reclaiming your space. Most local infestations involve one of three usual suspects:

• Roof Rats: Agile climbers often found in attics or trees.
• Norway Rats: Burly ground-dwellers that prefer basements and crawlspaces.
• House Mice: Small, curious, and capable of squeezing through tiny gaps.

We’ve detailed the specific behaviors of each below to help you pinpoint exactly what you're dealing with.

The team at Fortified knows exactly how Las Vegas rodents think and travel. Our specialized process focuses on targeted, low-impact resolutions. We don't just clear the infestation; we prioritize environmentally conscious methods that safeguard your home and keep your family (and pets) out of harm's way.

Deer mice are easily distinguished by their "two-tone" appearance. They are slightly larger than your average house mouse and have a more "woodland" look.

• Appearance: They feature a reddish-brown back with a starkly white underbelly and feet. Look for a pointed nose and large, furry ears.
• Habitat: In the desert climate of Las Vegas, they typically hide outdoors in hollow logs, under stones, or in gravel.
• Diet: They prefer natural snacks like insects, berries, and nuts, though they are opportunistic scavengers.
• Signs of Infestation: Keep an eye out for gnaw marks on structures and the discovery of hidden nests made of fibrous materials.
• Growth: They reach breeding maturity at just two months old.

The most common indoor intruder, the house mouse is built for survival near humans.

• Appearance: These mice are small (up to a few inches long) and covered in short fur that ranges from light brown to grey/black.
• Behavior: Unlike many other rodents, house mice are active during the day. They don't hibernate, meaning they’ll seek out the warmth of your home as soon as the desert temperature drops.
• Nesting: They prefer dark, enclosed spaces near food and water sources.
• Rapid Breeding: They are incredibly prolific; a female can become pregnant every 21 days, producing up to six pups per litter.

Often called "brown rats" or "sewer rats," these are the heavyweights of the rodent world.

• Appearance: These rats are bulky and can reach up to 18 inches in length. They have shaggy fur and a tail/ears covered in scales.
• Social Structure: They live in colonies with strict hierarchies; you might actually hear them squeaking and fighting for dominance behind your walls.
• Diet: They have a broad palate, enjoying meats, grains, and fruits.
• Identifying Signs: Look for capsule-shaped droppings and "grease marks"—dark oily stains left on walls or floorboards by their fur.

As their name suggests, these rodents are excellent climbers and prefer to stay high off the ground.[Image comparing Norway rat and Roof rat features]

• Appearance: Sleeker and smaller than the Norway rat, they are identified by a long, hairless tail that is often as long as their entire body.
• Habitat: If they get inside, they usually head straight for the attic, nesting in fiberglass insulation.
• Visibility: Because they are naturally shy, seeing one out in the open usually indicates a significant infestation nearby.
• Diet: They primarily seek out fruits and vegetables but will eat meat if necessary.

While they all look different, they share one dangerous trait: they carry diseases. From Hantavirus to Salmonellosis, having these pests in your home is a legitimate health risk to your family and pets.