The Most Common Rodents in Novato (And How to Get Rid of Them)

Living in Novato, California, means we get to enjoy beautiful Marin County.

It also means we share this pristine environment with wildlife, including various rodents.

Although these critters play an important role in the ecosystem, they can become a headache when they get too close to your home or landscaping.

Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with them alone.

Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we’ve been handling pest infestations for over 20 years, so we’ve seen (and dealt with) it all.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common rodents in Novato and how to send them packing.

Why Are Rodents Common in Novato, CA?

Novato’s diverse landscape and Mediterranean climate create ideal habitats for rodents. The city’s mix of open spaces, wetlands, and suburban areas also provides these little critters with many hiding places, breeding areas, and food sources.

Our mild winters mean rodents can stay active all year, and our proximity to places like Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve, Rush Creek, and Indian Valley Preserve means plenty of open areas feeding a constant supply of new rodents into urban areas.

On top of that, Novato’s older neighborhoods with big trees and lush gardens provide plenty of food and nesting spots for rodents.

5 Rodents to Watch for in Novato

1. Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

Deer mice are small, agile rodents that tend to enter Novato homes during the chilly winter months, especially if you live in an area that’s near wooded regions, like parks or woodlands.

Appearance

• Large ears and eyes
• White feet and belly
• Bi-colored tail (dark on top, white underneath)
• Adult length: 5-8 inches including tail

Habitat

• Primarily found in oak woodlands and chaparral areas
• Common near Rush Creek and Indian Valley
• Build nests in hollow trees, logs, and dense vegetation
• May seek shelter in attics and crawl spaces during cold weather

Damage They Cause

• Contaminate stored food with droppings
• Chew through electrical wiring
• Create fire hazards with nest building
• Can transmit hantavirus through droppings

How to Get Rid of Them

• Seal entry points smaller than ¼ inch
• Remove outdoor food sources
• Use snap traps baited with peanut butter
• Consider professional exclusion services

2. Roof Rats (Rattus rattus)

Roof rats are skilled climbers that tend to infest homes in Novato’s older neighborhoods, especially those with mature tree coverage.

They favor these homes because they can use the trees’ large, sturdy limbs as ladders to enter attics and roof lines.

Appearance

• Slender body measuring 13-17 inches, including tail
• Dark brown to black coloring
• Tail longer than body
• Pointed nose and large ears

Habitat

• Prevalent in Downtown Novato and San Marin areas
• Nest in attics, walls, and dense vegetation
• Prefer elevated locations and tree canopies
• Often found near bird feeders and fruit trees

Damage They Cause

• Extensive damage to electrical wiring
• Contamination of stored food
• Structural damage to insulation
• Create entry points in roofs and walls

How to Get Rid of Them

• Trim tree branches away from the house
• Remove fruit from trees promptly
• Use secure outdoor garbage containers
• Install metal screens on vents and openings

3. House Mice (Mus musculus)

House mice are the smallest, most common rodent in Novato homes.

These critters are especially active in residential areas like Hamilton and Ignacio.

Appearance

• Small, rounded ears
• Pointed snouts
• Light brown to grey coloring
• Body length: 2.5-3.75 inches (excluding tail)

Habitat

• Common in walls, cabinets, and storage areas
• Prefer dark, secluded spaces
• Often found near food sources
• Can squeeze through openings as small as ¼ inch

Damage They Cause

• Contaminate food with droppings and urine
• Chew through packaging and walls
• Spread diseases through droppings
• Create fire hazards with nest materials

How to Get Rid of Them

• Seal all potential entry points
• Store food in glass or metal containers
• Use multiple snap traps along walls
• Keep kitchen areas clean and crumb-free

4. California Ground Squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi)

These social rodents are prevalent in Novato’s open spaces and can cause severe damage to gardens and landscapes.

Even a few ground squirrels can destroy your plants and leave unsightly dirt mounds in your garden.

Appearance

• Mottled grey-brown fur with light speckles
• Bushy tail
• Length: 15-20 inches including tail
• Distinctive upright posture

Habitat

• Common around O’Hair Park and Mount Burdell
• Create extensive burrow systems
• Prefer open grasslands and park areas
• Active during daylight hours

Damage They Cause

• Burrows can damage foundations
• Destroy garden plants and vegetables
• Create tripping hazards in yards
• Can undermine structures

How to Get Rid of Them

• Install barriers around gardens
• Remove attractive food sources
• Use exclusion fencing
• Professional removal may be necessary

5. California Voles (Microtus californicus)

Voles are stocky rodents that, through their feeding and burrowing habits, can cause extensive damage to Novato gardens and landscaping.

Appearance

• Compact bodies with short tails
• Dark brown to greyish fur
• Small, partially hidden ears
• Body length: 4-6 inches

Habitat

• Found near Stafford Lake Park and Rush Creek wetlands
• Create surface runways in grass
• Prefer areas with dense ground cover
• Active in gardens and landscaped areas

Damage They Cause

• Damage to plant roots and bark
• Create unsightly runway systems in lawns
• Girdle trees and shrubs
• Destroy garden vegetables

How to Get Rid of Them

• Remove ground cover near gardens
• Install underground barriers
• Maintain short grass heights
• Use protective tree guards

When to Call Smith’s Pest Management

If you have rodents around your home and are unsure whether a DIY approach will work, it may be time to call the pros.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• Droppings in your living spaces
• Chewed-up materials or gnaw marks on walls and furniture
• Strange scratching noises coming from your walls or attic
• Shredded nesting materials in hidden areas
• You just don’t want to DIY rodent removal!

These can all point to a significant or recurrent rodent problem that needs addressing.

Don’t worry—Smith’s Pest Management is here to help.

We understand Novato’s unique environment and specialize in using humane, practical solutions to protect your home while respecting the ecosystem and non-target species.

Call us, and let us take care of the problem so you can return to a rodent-free space!

Dealing with Pesky Rodents? Let Us Help!

You shouldn’t have to settle for living with rodents in or around your Novato home.

Smith’s Pest Management specializes in controlling rodent populations in Novato through customized, eco-friendly solutions that protect your property and our local wildlife.

We specialize in ground squirrel, rat, mouse, and vole control, and much, much more.

Don’t let rodents take over your Novato home.

For reliable rodent control services, contact Smith’s Pest Management today at (408) 871-6988!