Identifying Nutria Droppings
Similar to beavers and muskrats in appearance, nutria are often confused with other pests. Likewise, their droppings are commonly mistaken for rat waste. Nutria feces are:
- About two inches in length and a half inch in diameter
- Marked with parallel grooves running along the entire pellet
- Cylindrical in shape
- Dark green, brown, or black in color
In addition to size, looking for grooves is typically the easiest way to separate nutria droppings from rat feces.
Problems with Nutria Waste
Nutria typically deposit their feces in or near rivers, streams, and ponds, so water can quickly become contaminated. The rodents carry pathogens and parasites in their feces that make water unsafe for drinking or swimming. Residents who identify nutria droppings in their yards should assume that nearby bodies of water could be tainted.
Proper Clean-Up
Always refrain from picking up nutria feces, as they are capable of infecting people and pets. When these pests start leaving droppings and making problems around the yard, it is best to let the professionals at Critter Control step in for removal and clean-up .