We all have our limits on what we will and won’t tolerate when it comes to pests in the home and garden, but there are good reasons to control rodent populations, says California Master Gardener Steve Griffin.

Rodents — rats, mice, moles, gophers, tree squirrels and ground squirrels — can cause damage to infrastructure and spread diseases.

Here are some of Griffin’s tips on keeping them from becoming too much of a pest.

The first step is to identify what type of rodent problem you have. Knowing what animal is eating your plants, digging holes in your yard or snacking on food in the kitchen will determine what steps you take to control it.

Take a good look at your home and yard. Are you inviting the pests in by leaving pet food out, feeding the birds or having fruit trees?

Next, look at changes you can make to discourage rodents from visiting. You may need to start storing food in containers, removing food after pets have eaten, and pruning trees away from your home to prevent rodents from climbing onto your roof and into your attic.

Buttoning up entryways into your home also will help eliminate the problems inside, Griffin says. Outside, look at fencing and other exclusions.

If you decide to take lethal steps to control rodents, choose your tools carefully. Never use poisons, which often unintentionally kill other animals.

If you use traps that capture animals alive, you’ll have to release them on your own property — it is against the law to relocate them without a permit from state officials, which is seldom given — or humanely kill the animals.

RATS AND MICE

There are two species of rats — roof rats and Norway rats — that live with humans.

Norway rats usually are found on the ground floor. They have heavier bodies and tails that are shorter than the length of their bodies.

Norway rats prefer trash and wood piles, and basements.

Roof rats are great climbers and usually are found in the home, attic and garden. They are smaller than Norway rats and have a tail that is longer than their bodies.

Roof rats are agile climbers and nest above ground in trees, walls, cabinets and false ceilings.

Mouse populations rise and fall with the availability of food and weather conditions.

House mice are attracted to pet food, snacks left in drawers and pantries with plenty of food in cardboard or light plastic wrappings.

Mice will nest in walls, drawers and cabinets, and build nests of almost any materials the can find.

Rats and mice spread disease through fleas, feces and urine, which they leave behind on their searches for food.

Good housekeeping can keep most rat and mouse populations down. Repair door sweeps, plug entry holes, screen attic vents and the vents around building foundations.

Trim limbs and landscaping away from the roof line and foundation walls. Pick up pet food and seal food in sturdy plastic or metal containers.

Trap mice and rats with snap or electronic traps. Do not use poisons.

Bait a rat trap with nuts or sticky candy tied to the trigger with twist-ties, wire or zip ties.

Bait a mouse trap with peanut butter or a soft candy such as caramel.

MOLES

Moles are insectivores and don’t eat plant material. Any damage they do is to the appearance of your garden or yard, and occasionally they may kill a plant when they disturb the soil around plant roots.

Moles are difficult to capture and probably should just be left alone.

SQUIRRELS

Squirrels can be a nuisance, feeding on fruit and vegetables, and nesting in attics. They also can vector diseases through fleas.

Hawks, coyotes, foxes and bobcats feed on ground squirrels, so don’t use poisons as a method of controlling the population.

Exclusion and deterrents are the best ways of handling any pest problems.