What Rodents Are Found in Boise, ID?
Boise, Idaho is home to a variety of rodents, which are small mammals characterized by their sharp incisors and ability to gnaw. These incredible rodents play important roles in their ecosystems, although they can sometimes become pests in human-inhabited areas. The most common rodents found in Boise include the deer mouse, ground squirrels, and the northern Idaho ground squirrel. These rodents are dietary generalists, meaning they eat a wide range of food sources including seeds, insects, and even small birds. While rodents can sometimes be a nuisance, there are effective pest control and exclusion methods available to keep them at bay. By understanding the different types of rodents in Boise and their habits, we can better coexist with these fascinating creatures and protect our homes and gardens from their potential damage.
Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels are small rodents that are commonly found in Boise's surrounding areas. They are known for their small size, slender bodies, and bushy tails. Ground squirrels are diurnal animals, meaning they are active during the day and rest at night.
These rodents are predominantly herbivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of seeds and nuts. They are known to forage for food in open grasslands, meadows, and fields. Ground squirrels prefer habitats with ample vegetation cover and areas that provide them with sufficient food sources.
In Boise, ground squirrels can be found in various habitats such as parks, gardens, and even near residential areas. They are agile climbers and skilled burrowers, often creating complex networks of tunnels for nesting and protection.
Deer Mouse
The Deer Mouse, one of the most widespread mice in Boise, ID, is known for its small gray or brown bodies, large black eyes, round ears, and distinctive white feet. These adorable rodents have adapted well to various habitats in the area.
Deer Mice prefer to nest high up in hollow trees, making use of the forest habitats within Boise County. However, they can also be commonly found in houses, especially during the winter months when they seek shelter and food sources. Their agile climbing abilities enable them to access attics, basements, and even walls.
As opportunistic feeders, Deer Mice are dietary generalists, consuming a variety of food sources. In urban settings, they thrive on food scraps and crumbs left behind by humans. They are known to be nocturnal animals, actively foraging for food at night when they are less likely to encounter predators.
Norway Rats
Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, are a species of rodent found in Boise, ID. These rodents are typically gray-brown in color and have small ears, blunt snouts, and short fur. They are larger than most mice species found in the area and can grow anywhere between 8 to 10 inches in length.
Norway rats are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats. They often inhabit sewers, basements, attics, and other places that offer shelter from the elements. In addition to urban environments, they are also found in agricultural areas where there is an abundance of food sources.
Norway Rats are known for their omnivorous diet consisting of plant matter as well as insects, eggs, and even small vertebrates. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
Roof Rats
Roof rats, also known as black rats or ship rats, are one of the most common rodents found in Boise. These agile climbers are typically gray-brown or black in color with a long tail and large ears. They can grow up to 10 inches in length from head to tail.
These rodents prefer to make their homes in attics, walls, and other elevated parts of buildings. They are known to inhabit both urban and rural areas, often foraging for food in fields, meadows, and other open grasslands.
Roof rats are omnivorous feeders, consuming a variety of plant matter as well as insects and small vertebrates. They are most active at night and typically hide during the day to avoid predators.
Shrews
Shrews are small, insectivorous mammals found in Boise. These rodents have a long, pointed snout, small eyes and ears, and a gray-brown fur coat. They are typically 2 to 4 inches in length from head to tail and can weigh anywhere between 0.3 to 1.2 ounces.
Shrews prefer habitats with plenty of vegetation cover and an abundance of food sources. They are most commonly found in fields, meadows, and woodlands that offer protection from the elements and predators.
These creatures have a mainly carnivorous diet composed of insects, larvae, small vertebrates, and even carrion. They are highly active during the night time hours when they hunt for food and avoid predator encounters.
Voles
Voles are small rodents that can be commonly found in Boise. These burrowing animals have a brown or gray-gray coat, short legs, and a rounded head. They typically measure 3 to 6 inches long from head to tail and weigh between 0.6 to 4 ounces.
Voles inhabit various habitats including grasslands, meadows, fields, woodlands , and even residential areas. They are known to construct tunnels and burrows underground as a means of protection from the elements and predators.
Voles are primarily herbivorous, feasting on various plant matter such as grasses, seeds, tubers, and stems. They are mainly active during the day time hours when they scavenge for food sources.