Dec 9, 2021 | Pest Control
Rats and mice are both rodents and while they are often mistaken for each other, the similarities really end there. These two pests don’t breed with each other and typically nest in different places. If a population is big enough that the two species cross paths on a regular basis and the food sources nearby are plentiful, then they can inhabit the same area at the same time; this is rare, however. Most often they are competing for the same food and rats will kill mice instead. In fact, mice and rats give off very distinctive odors and mice will flee when they smell rats nearby.
Rats vs mice can be confusing and the two are often mistaken for each other when they infest your home.
Mice are much smaller than rats, usually only 2″ to 4″ long. They typically have lighter brown coloring and dark tails. Their ears are proportionately larger when compared to their body size than those of rats. Mice have wide, blunt snouts, small feet, and small, beady eyes. They prefer to eat grains and plants but will eat leftover food and garbage if inside. They can also go long periods of time without water. They typically nest in hidden areas near their food sources (e.g. your kitchen). They produce more droppings per day than rats (70-150) but their droppings are smaller in size and usually scattered throughout the house. They are more curious than rats and easier to trap.
Rats are much larger than mice, usually ranging from 8″ to 10″ in length. They also have much darker coloring. Their ears are proportionately smaller when compared to their body size than their mice cousins. They have sharp, narrow snouts, large hind feet, and large, prominent eyes. Rats are omnivores and will eat anything they find, including meat. They require regular amounts of drinking water than mice do. Depending on the species, rats also nest in different areas than mice. Norway rats will often dig under buildings, along fences, and hide under debris and landscaping. Roof rats will typically nest in higher locations (e.g. roofs, attics, and rafters). Rats produce larger feces (about 2 cm in size). Rats are more cautious than mice and can be more difficult to trap. They are also strong swimmers.
Both rats and mice are dangerous to humans. Risks of a rodent infestation of any kind include gnawing through surfaces, insulation, and wires; contaminating surfaces with urine and droppings; and carrying and transmitting harmful pathogens like salmonellosis, plague, and trichinosis.
The best treatment against a rodent infestation is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some of our top rodent prevention tips you can utilize in your home.
- Clean up spilled food immediately.
- Put away all food at night, including pet food and bird feeders.
- Keep food, including pet food and bird seed, in sealed, airtight containers.
- Keep garbage can lids tightly sealed.
- Declutter your attic and basement, especially anything made of cardboard.
- Store any items you can on shelves rather than in the floor.
- Keep your yard clear of debris.
- Keep grass and shrubs cut short.
- Trim shrubs and trees away from the sides of your home.
- Store firewood off the ground and a safe distance from your home.
- Repair holes in your foundation, garage, and interior walls and any gaps in your roof.
- Seal any openings larger than 1/4″.
- Use rubber seals under garage doors.
- Use door sweeps on exterior doors.
- Use weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Use screens that are in good repair on doors and windows.
- Seal around pipes, drains, and vents.
- Use chimney caps.
If you suspect a problem with rodents or any other pest, contact your local pest control company who can help identify which rodent you are dealing with and set you up with the most appropriate rodent control plan for your situation.
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Sep 29, 2017 | Pest Control, Wildlife
What’s the difference between a mouse and a rat? Identifying the type of rodent you have is the first and most important step in controlling your rodent problem. What works to control mice won’t necessarily work to control rats. Here are the differences between mice and rats along with some tips to prevent and get rid of them.
MICE:
The most common mouse found in the United States is the house mouse.
What Do They Look Like?
- Small size, usually 1-4 inches long.
- Adults weight about 0.5 ounces.
- Small head, small feet, pointed snout.
- Large ears with some hair.
- Light brown body with some gray shading and dark tail.
- Larger ears and longer tail compared to their body size than rats.
- Musky odor
- Color blind
- Droppings shaped like rods
Where Do They Live?
- They usually live on the ground or in nests in burrows.
- Will build nests near food source.
- Will use nearly any soft material or finely shredded paper to build their nest.
- Can be found indoors or outdoors, in cities or rural areas.
What Do They Eat?
- They prefer to eat cereals but will feed on almost anything.
- They tend to seek food in the same place everyday.
- They don’t need to drink water but will if it is available.
How Do They Move?
- They can climb, jump, and swim.
- They can jump up to 13 inches.
- They can run along wires, cables, and ropes.
- They are nocturnal and most active from dusk until dawn.
- They are curious and will come out to investigate.
- Mice can enter buildings through openings as small as 1/4″ in diameter.
RATS:
The two most common rats found in the United States are the brown rat (Norway rat) and the black rat (roof rat, ship rat).
Brown Rat (Norway Rat)
Black Rat (Roof Rat, Ship Rat)
What Do They Look Like?
- Brown rats have a heavy, thick body, a blunt snout, and short ears with dark hair.
- Brown rats have brown bodies with black shading and shaggy coats.
- Brown rats have tails that are dark on top and pale underneath.
- Adult brown rats weigh about 11 ounces.
- Brown rat droppings are shaped like capsules.
- Black rats have light, slender bodies, pointed snouts, and large ears with no hair.
- Black rats have gray bodies with black shading and smooth coats.
- Black rats have dark tails.
- Adult black rats weight about 7 ounces.
- Black rat droppings are shaped like spindles.
- Rats have longer body lengths, measuring about 8″ in body length with another 9″ of tail length.
- Rats have larger feet and heads compared to body size than mice do.
Where Do They Live?
- Rats will dig under buildings, along fences, and under plants and debris.
- The brown rat usually lives on the ground or in burrows.
- The brown rat is usually seen in buildings, sewers, and outdoors.
- The black rat is usually seen in buildings around ports and in ships.
- The black rat will nest high up in roofs, attics, and trees.
What Do They Eat?
- Brown rats prefer cereals.
- Brown rats tend to seek food in the same place everyday.
- Brown rats drink about 2 ounces of water a day.
- Black rats prefer moist fruits.
- Black rats tend to seek food in different places each day.
- Black rats drink about 1 ounce of water a day.
How Do They Move?
- Rats can enter a building through a hole as small as 1/2″ in diameter.
- Rats are strong swimmers and can live in sewers.
- Rats can enter buildings through broken drains and toilets.
- Rats will climb to get food, water, and shelter.
- Rats follow regular routines and paths everyday.
- Rats usually stay within 300 feet of their nest or burrow.
- Rats are nocturnal.
- Rats have poor eyesight.
How Do You Get Rid Of Rodents?
Now that you know the difference between mice and rats, what can you do to get rid of them? Check out these 7 tips for getting rid of both mice and rats:
- Know The Signs. Signs of both mice and rats include droppings, gnaw marks, tracks, and burrows. These signs can especially be seen around food sources.
- Keep It Clean. Mice and rats will come into your home in search of food. Store food in airtight containers. Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out overnight. Wipe crumbs off the counters. Sweep and vacuum floors regularly. Secure your garbage. Don’t leave pet food out overnight and store it in airtight containers, also.
- Don’t Let Them In. Eliminate any entry points into your home. Seal any cracks in your foundation. Seal around any openings in the walls, especially around utility pipes and vents. Use weather stripping for gaps in doors and windows.
- Don’t Forget Outside. Remove debris from around your home. Keep your yard mowed and weeded. Trim shrubbery away from the sides of your home. Keep woodpiles away from your home.
- Use Your Pets. Cats and even some dogs will hunt rodents. Use them as a ready made form of pest control.
- Use Traps. There is never just one moue or rat so it is best to use several traps at a time. It is also a good idea to use different types of traps. Use whatever food the pests have been feeding on as bait in your traps. Place traps perpendicular to the walls and near where you have seen signs of their presence.
- Call The Pros. If you suspect a mouse or rat problem in your home, contact a pest control professional. They will be able to evaluate your home, identify what kind of rodent you have, and set you up with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Sep 29, 2017 | Pest Control, Wildlife
What’s the difference between a mouse and a rat? Identifying the type of rodent you have is the first and most important step in controlling your rodent problem. What works to control mice won’t necessarily work to control rats. Here are the differences between mice and rats along with some tips to prevent and get rid of them.
MICE:
The most common mouse found in the United States is the house mouse.
What Do They Look Like?
- Small size, usually 1-4 inches long.
- Adults weight about 0.5 ounces.
- Small head, small feet, pointed snout.
- Large ears with some hair.
- Light brown body with some gray shading and dark tail.
- Larger ears and longer tail compared to their body size than rats.
- Musky odor
- Color blind
- Droppings shaped like rods
Where Do They Live?
- They usually live on the ground or in nests in burrows.
- Will build nests near food source.
- Will use nearly any soft material or finely shredded paper to build their nest.
- Can be found indoors or outdoors, in cities or rural areas.
What Do They Eat?
- They prefer to eat cereals but will feed on almost anything.
- They tend to seek food in the same place everyday.
- They don’t need to drink water but will if it is available.
How Do They Move?
- They can climb, jump, and swim.
- They can jump up to 13 inches.
- They can run along wires, cables, and ropes.
- They are nocturnal and most active from dusk until dawn.
- They are curious and will come out to investigate.
- Mice can enter buildings through openings as small as 1/4″ in diameter.
RATS:
The two most common rats found in the United States are the brown rat (Norway rat) and the black rat (roof rat, ship rat).
Brown Rat (Norway Rat)
Black Rat (Roof Rat, Ship Rat)
What Do They Look Like?
- Brown rats have a heavy, thick body, a blunt snout, and short ears with dark hair.
- Brown rats have brown bodies with black shading and shaggy coats.
- Brown rats have tails that are dark on top and pale underneath.
- Adult brown rats weigh about 11 ounces.
- Brown rat droppings are shaped like capsules.
- Black rats have light, slender bodies, pointed snouts, and large ears with no hair.
- Black rats have gray bodies with black shading and smooth coats.
- Black rats have dark tails.
- Adult black rats weight about 7 ounces.
- Black rat droppings are shaped like spindles.
- Rats have longer body lengths, measuring about 8″ in body length with another 9″ of tail length.
- Rats have larger feet and heads compared to body size than mice do.
Where Do They Live?
- Rats will dig under buildings, along fences, and under plants and debris.
- The brown rat usually lives on the ground or in burrows.
- The brown rat is usually seen in buildings, sewers, and outdoors.
- The black rat is usually seen in buildings around ports and in ships.
- The black rat will nest high up in roofs, attics, and trees.
What Do They Eat?
- Brown rats prefer cereals.
- Brown rats tend to seek food in the same place everyday.
- Brown rats drink about 2 ounces of water a day.
- Black rats prefer moist fruits.
- Black rats tend to seek food in different places each day.
- Black rats drink about 1 ounce of water a day.
How Do They Move?
- Rats can enter a building through a hole as small as 1/2″ in diameter.
- Rats are strong swimmers and can live in sewers.
- Rats can enter buildings through broken drains and toilets.
- Rats will climb to get food, water, and shelter.
- Rats follow regular routines and paths everyday.
- Rats usually stay within 300 feet of their nest or burrow.
- Rats are nocturnal.
- Rats have poor eyesight.
How Do You Get Rid Of Rodents?
Now that you know the difference between mice and rats, what can you do to get rid of them? Check out these 7 tips for getting rid of both mice and rats:
- Know The Signs. Signs of both mice and rats include droppings, gnaw marks, tracks, and burrows. These signs can especially be seen around food sources.
- Keep It Clean. Mice and rats will come into your home in search of food. Store food in airtight containers. Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out overnight. Wipe crumbs off the counters. Sweep and vacuum floors regularly. Secure your garbage. Don’t leave pet food out overnight and store it in airtight containers, also.
- Don’t Let Them In. Eliminate any entry points into your home. Seal any cracks in your foundation. Seal around any openings in the walls, especially around utility pipes and vents. Use weather stripping for gaps in doors and windows.
- Don’t Forget Outside. Remove debris from around your home. Keep your yard mowed and weeded. Trim shrubbery away from the sides of your home. Keep woodpiles away from your home.
- Use Your Pets. Cats and even some dogs will hunt rodents. Use them as a ready made form of pest control.
- Use Traps. There is never just one moue or rat so it is best to use several traps at a time. It is also a good idea to use different types of traps. Use whatever food the pests have been feeding on as bait in your traps. Place traps perpendicular to the walls and near where you have seen signs of their presence.
- Call The Pros. If you suspect a mouse or rat problem in your home, contact a pest control professional. They will be able to evaluate your home, identify what kind of rodent you have, and set you up with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Jan 20, 2017 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Squirrels
Hearing noises at night? You may have squirrels nesting in the attic, looking for shelter from the cold. To get rid of squirrels, first you have to determine how they’re getting in. This can be tricky if you don’t have easy access to your roof and since squirrels can sneak into small spaces. Contact a wildlife removal company to fully inspect your home for squirrel access points, set up traps, and correct any damage caused by squirrels. It’s also a good idea to keep trees trimmed and away from your roofline to cut off direct access.
Raccoons
Raccoons are common home invaders in the winter months, looking for refuge in crawl spaces, attics, and chimneys. Similar to squirrels, effective raccoon control requires professional expertise – to identify and seal entry points, trap and remove the raccoons, and prevent them from coming back with exclusion techniques. To prevent a raccoon invasion, eliminate food sources that attract them by using outdoor trash bins with lids and removing pet food when it’s not being eaten.
Mice
Mice are year-round pest nuisances that typically nest in attics, basements, cabinets, and closets. And because mice can fit through gaps as small as 1/4 inch, keeping them out can be difficult. As with other rodent control methods, the first step is to inspect your home for cracks, gaps, holes, or any other openings and correct them. Secondly, eliminate food sources and hiding places by keeping a clean house, removing clutter, and storing food in sealed containers. If you see small, dark-colored droppings anywhere, call an exterminator – quarterly pest control treatments are recommended to get rid of mice and prevent a future infestation.
Rats
Similar to mice, rats are common winter invaders, searching for food and warmth inside your home, needing holes as small as a quarter to get in. To prevent this, and other rodent invasions, seal any gaps or holes in your home’s foundation, around your roof, in the crawl space or basement, or around doors and windows, keep garbage away from your home’s exterior in sealed bins, and check for evidence of rats – usually indicated by droppings (larger than those left by mice), gnawing, or footprints and tail tracks.
Roaches
Cockroaches, too, are looking for food and warmth during colder months. The best way to prevent roaches is with preventative pest control and by eliminating what attracts roaches – food left out, crumbs, pet food and water, clutter, and water leaks.
Spiders
Common house spiders will start making their ways indoors starting in the cooler, Fall months. Prevent spiders with ongoing pest control treatments, by eliminating clutter (spiders like to hide in dark, undisturbed places), and by knocking down cobwebs regularly.
Jan 20, 2017 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Squirrels
Hearing noises at night? You may have squirrels nesting in the attic, looking for shelter from the cold. To get rid of squirrels, first you have to determine how they’re getting in. This can be tricky if you don’t have easy access to your roof and since squirrels can sneak into small spaces. Contact a wildlife removal company to fully inspect your home for squirrel access points, set up traps, and correct any damage caused by squirrels. It’s also a good idea to keep trees trimmed and away from your roofline to cut off direct access.
Raccoons
Raccoons are common home invaders in the winter months, looking for refuge in crawl spaces, attics, and chimneys. Similar to squirrels, effective raccoon control requires professional expertise – to identify and seal entry points, trap and remove the raccoons, and prevent them from coming back with exclusion techniques. To prevent a raccoon invasion, eliminate food sources that attract them by using outdoor trash bins with lids and removing pet food when it’s not being eaten.
Mice
Mice are year-round pest nuisances that typically nest in attics, basements, cabinets, and closets. And because mice can fit through gaps as small as 1/4 inch, keeping them out can be difficult. As with other rodent control methods, the first step is to inspect your home for cracks, gaps, holes, or any other openings and correct them. Secondly, eliminate food sources and hiding places by keeping a clean house, removing clutter, and storing food in sealed containers. If you see small, dark-colored droppings anywhere, call an exterminator – quarterly pest control treatments are recommended to get rid of mice and prevent a future infestation.
Rats
Similar to mice, rats are common winter invaders, searching for food and warmth inside your home, needing holes as small as a quarter to get in. To prevent this, and other rodent invasions, seal any gaps or holes in your home’s foundation, around your roof, in the crawl space or basement, or around doors and windows, keep garbage away from your home’s exterior in sealed bins, and check for evidence of rats – usually indicated by droppings (larger than those left by mice), gnawing, or footprints and tail tracks.
Roaches
Cockroaches, too, are looking for food and warmth during colder months. The best way to prevent roaches is with preventative pest control and by eliminating what attracts roaches – food left out, crumbs, pet food and water, clutter, and water leaks.
Spiders
Common house spiders will start making their ways indoors starting in the cooler, Fall months. Prevent spiders with ongoing pest control treatments, by eliminating clutter (spiders like to hide in dark, undisturbed places), and by knocking down cobwebs regularly.
