What Types of Rodents Live in Las Cruces?

Desert views, warm weather, and plenty of outdoor time make life in Las Cruces great. But it also means we share space with a variety of rodents. Which ones are most common here?

While many rodents are native to southern New Mexico and usually remain outdoors, some can become a problem when they move too close to our homes, yards, and other structures. Knowing which rodents are common in the area can help you spot issues early and move to protect your property.

Common Rodents Round in Las Cruces

The house mouse is one of the most common rodents that Las Cruces homeowners encounter. They’re small, quick, and capable of squeezing through the tiniest of openings to access food and shelter. House mice are often found inside garages, sheds, and homes. Once inside, they spread filth and can cause harm to your home by gnawing on wiring, nesting with insulation materials, and eating through floors and walls.

Norway rats and roof rats are common to Las Cruces, as well. Rats are not simply larger than mice. They can also be much more destructive. Norway rats tend to remain closer to the ground, building nests around foundations, inside landscaping, or by irrigation areas. Roof rats are excellent climbers and will nest farther from the ground in trees, attics, and rooflines. Both these rats can cause structural damage to homes and pose health concerns if left unchecked.

Pack rats, also known as woodrats, are native to the Southwest and are very common around Las Cruces. These rodents are known for building large nests made of sticks, yard debris, and other found objects. You’ll find woodrats under decks, inside sheds, beneath woodpiles, or burrowed in dense brush. Pack rats don’t always enter homes. However, if their nests are near, they can still cause problems by attracting predators or carrying fleas or ticks onto your property.

Deer mice and field mice are small desert dwelling rodents common to our area. They’re more active at night and usually remain outdoors. However, you might find these tiny rodents closer to your home during the cooler months or in periods of limited food and water.

Pocket mice also make their home here in Las Cruces. These super-small species of rodents play an important role in the ecosystem, rarely invading homes.  However, their presence can still contribute to the overall rodent activity in the area.

Why Las Cruces Rodents Are a Concern

Rodents are not just a nuisance unto themselves. They might carry parasites, contaminate food or surfaces, damage wiring and insulation, and attract other pests – including snakes! Even outdoor rodent activity can increase pest pressures around your home.

If rodent activity becomes persistent, Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces offers solutions. Our professional Las Cruces rodent control can help protect your outdoor and indoor spaces from unwanted rodent activity. We offer rodent control solutions designed to keep your yard healthier, more comfortable, and less inviting to unwanted pests and rodents all year-round.

Search for Las Cruces rodent control and choose Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad is a trusted rodent pest control company! We are eager to help defend your property against mosquitoes, ants, ticks, spiders, and a wide array of outdoor Las Cruces pests and rodents.

We stand behind our pest control treatments with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!

Get in touch with Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces by filling out our form online  or calling us at (575) 221-1787 for a free quote.

Also read: Are Rodents Disease Vectors?