Common Questions We Receive about Rodents: Are They a Rodent? Edition

Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that includes over 2,200 species. They are known for their sharp, continuously growing front teeth, which they use for gnawing and chewing.  Despite their small size, they play a vital role in many ecosystems and are often significant pests in urban areas. This article will explore their world and answer some common questions we receive about rodents.  This article will address a frequent question, “Are they a rodent” about some common animals.  We will also educate you on what type of animal it is.  Are you ready to play? 

What are Rodents?

Rodents are a group of mammals that belong to the order of Rodentia. They are characterized by their continuously growing front teeth, which they use for gnawing and chewing. The teeth are kept in check by the constant grinding when the animal eats. Oftentimes, this isn’t enough to keep the teeth at the proper length leading many rodents to chew on the infrastructure of our homes and commercial buildings.  This unique adaptation allows them to feed on various foods, including seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and in some cases, other rodents.

We Are Commonly Asked: 

Are They a Rodent?

• • Are rabbits rodents?   With their long ears and cute appearance, it’s no surprise that rabbits are not. They belong to the order Lagomorpha, which includes hares and pikas.

• • Are raccoons rodents? No, raccoons are not. They belong to the family Procyonidae, which also includes coatis and ringtails.

• • Are rats rodents? Yes, rats are rodents. Rats are possibly the most well-known and despised rodents. They are part of the family Muridae, which also includes mice, voles, and lemmings. Rats are the primary rodent we deal with.  Most often, we deal with the roof rat or the Norway Rat.  

• • Are bats rodents? No, bats are not rodents. They belong to the order Chiroptera, which means “hand-wing” in Greek.

• • Are squirrels rodents? Yes, squirrels are rodents. They belong to the family Sciuridae, which also includes chipmunks and marmots.  Most people consider this one of the “cuter” ones. They are still a damaging pest, coming in as the third most common animal we receive pest control calls about.  

• • Are beavers rodents? Yes, beavers are rodents. They belong to the family Castoridae, which also includes muskrats.  We have never had a call for them here, however. 

• • Are hedgehogs rodents? No, hedgehogs are not. They belong to the order Eulipotyphla, which includes shrews and moles.  

• • Are ferrets rodents? No, ferrets are not. They belong to the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels and otters.

• • Are mice rodents? Yes, mice are rodents. They belong to the family Muridae, which also includes rats and voles. They are the second most common rodent we deal with at Rodent Solutions. 

• • Are skunks rodents? No, skunks are not. They belong to the family Mephitidae, which also includes badgers and wolverines.

• • Are moles rodents? No, moles are not rodents. They belong to the order Eulipotyphla, which also includes hedgehogs and shrews.  During the summer, we receive many calls for this underground pest.

• • Are guinea pigs rodents? Yes, guinea pigs are rodents. They belong to the family Caviidae, which also includes chinchillas and capybaras. We receive one or two calls a year from customers asking if we can help to catch their pet who has gotten loose in their house. 

• • Are opossums rodents? No, opossums are not. They belong to the order Didelphimorphia, which includes other marsupials, such as kangaroos and wallabies. Many people mistakenly call them a possum, a different animal found in Australia.  

• • Are voles rodents? Yes, voles are. They belong to the family Muridae, which also includes rats and mice.

• • Are shrews rodents? No, shrews are not. They belong to the order Eulipotyphla, which includes hedgehogs and moles.

• • Are weasels rodents? No, weasels are not. They belong to the family Mustelidae, which also includes ferrets and otters.

• • Are meerkats rodents? No, meerkats are not. They belong to the family Herpestidae, which also includes mongooses.

• • Are armadillos rodents? No, armadillos are not. While they may resemble them in appearance, armadillos belong to a separate group of mammals known as Xenarthra. This group includes a variety of animals, such as anteaters and sloths, all characterized by their unique skeletal structure.

Frequently Asked Question: Why Do We Need Rodents? 

While rodents are essential to many ecosystems, they are often considered pests. Rats and mice, in particular, are notorious for their ability to spread disease and cause property damage. There are examples of them being beneficial.  Beavers are a keystone species in many North American ecosystems because they create wetlands that provide various species’ habitats. Squirrels and chipmunks play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to spread plants throughout their environment. And guinea pigs are beloved pets worldwide, known for their affectionate nature and distinctive vocalizations.

Whom to Call if I Need Help with More Rodent Questions or Rodent Control?

If you need help removing rats, mice, or squirrels, call the pest control company that specializes in them, Rodent Solutions.  We will help prevent future infestations with our industry-leading rodent exclusion process and trap any inside your home or commercial structure.  Contact us today for quick service.