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We are Norwalk Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Connecticut critter problems. We service the greater Norwalk region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 203-987-3566 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Fairfield County, Hartford County, Litchfield County, Middlesex County, New Haven County, New London County, Tolland County, Windham County, and more. We also service Ansonia, Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Derby, Groton, Hartford, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwich, Shelton, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, West Haven, and more.

Norwalk Wildlife Education: How Rodents Communicate Using Pheromones

A mammal’s sense of smell is the primary way it has of acquainting itself with its surroundings and other creatures. We’ve all seen dogs sniff each other, people, or many other things they come in contact with. Many animals do this, including many rodents, such as rats and mice. One of the scents that rodents give off is called a pheromone.



What is a Pheromone?
The term pheromone is derived from the Greek word “pherein,” which means “to convey,” and the word “hormone.” It is a chemical substance that is produced in the body of the rodent and released into the air to communicate with another rodent. It is geared to elicit a response in another rodent.

Pheromone Usage
Rodents, and other animals, use pheromones for a variety of situations. There are sex pheromones which are used often by a female in heat to attract a male for mating. There are alarm pheromones that signal other rodents in the vicinity that there is danger nearby. Food trail pheromones are used to signal others where there is food. Other pheromones are used in kin recognition, or for one rodent to mark his territory, warning all others to stay out. Some are used as locators, or when a mother rodent is prepared for her babies to begin nursing at that time.

Pheromone Blend
A pheromone blend happens when two or more chemical compounds combine to influence a physiological response or a behavioral response. Insects often use pheromone blends to attract a mate.

Mosaic Signal
A mosaic signal occurs when a large number of chemical compounds are mixed together. This often happens when rodents wish to identify whether another rodent is their own kin, or an unrelated rodent.

Communication
The purpose of the pheromones is so rodents can communicate with one another about any one of the subjects mentioned above. One use of pheromones that most people have observed is that of the mating pheromone. It is most obvious in dogs and cats, as those are the animals we are in the closest contact with. But rodents use this pheromone also in their mating rituals. Generally, the female of the species is first to release the pheromone to attract the male of her choice. However, once signaled, the male rodent will also release his own pheromones. Pheromones act as a language allowing rodents to communicate with one another in a most interesting manner.

Previous Education Articles
Should I ever poison a wild Norwalk animal?
Is it legal for me to trap a Norwalk opossum?
Do Norwalk rats enter a building through the plumbing?
How to keep Norwalk skunks out of my garden