Objective: To investigate the species composition, density, habitat distribution, and seasonality of rodents in Yuxi, Yunnan Province, China, so as to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of rodent control measures. Methods: From 2018 to 2024, rodent density was monitored by night cage-trapping method at three types of habitats (urban residential areas, special industries, and rural natural villages) across eight counties (districts) in Yuxi. Statistical analyses of surveillance data were performed using Excel 2013 and SPSS 21.0 softwares. Rodent density and species composition were compared using the Chi-square test. The temporal trend in rodent density was determined using a Joinpoint log-linear regression model, with Monte Carlo permutation testing for model optimization. Results: A total of 128 311 effective cage traps were placed in Yuxi from 2018 to 2024, capturing 2 016 rodents in total. The average density of rodents was 1.57%, with the highest level (2.01%) in 2020 and the lowest level (1.12%) in 2024. Rattus norvegicus was the predominant species in Yuxi, accounting for 64.04% of the total catches. Significant differences were detected in rodent density (χ2=62.460, P < 0.001) and species composition (χ2=38.734, P < 0.001) across different years. The density of R. norvegicus exhibited a significant downward trend [annual percent change (APC)=-8.639, 95% confidence interval: -16.388-0.172, Z=-2.621, P=0.047], with no statistically significant trends in the average rodent density (Z=-1.646, P=0.161), R. tanezumi density (Z=0.999, P=0.363), and Mus musculus density (Z=-0.617, P=0.564). Among the three types of habitats, the density of rodents was highest in special industries (1.79%), followed by rural natural villages (1.57%) and urban residential areas (1.32%). The disparity in the rodent densities of the habitats was statistically significant (χ2=32.430, P < 0.001). Across the eight surveillance sites, rodent density differed significantly (χ2=508.162, P < 0.001), with the highest density in Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County (3.42%), the second in Jiangchuan District (1.89%), and the lowest in Hongta District (0.72%). The average rodent density showed a single peak in July at 1.94%, and this seasonal pattern was observed in all the habitats. Seasonality was distinct for R. norvegicus among various rodent species, with the peak observed in July. Conclusions: From 2018 to 2024, rodent density in Yuxi increased at first and decreased afterwards; rodent density and species composition differed by year, habitat, and surveillance site; and the density of R. norvegicus exhibited a declining trend, while the average rodent density, R. tanezumi density, and M. musculus density remained stable. Comprehensive rodent control measures should be carried out according to rodent activities and fluctuations, with the focus on special industries and the peak month July. It is necessary to strengthen long-term surveillance and research on control strategies for rodents and rodent-borne diseases to lower the density of rodents and reduce rodent-borne diseases.