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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Apr 28, 2021 | Pest Control
While rodents will typically infest your home during the colder months of the year, it is still possible for these pests to be found inside the home during the warmer months too. If a rodent, like a mouse or rat, is found inside a house during spring and summer months, it’s likely that they’ve been there since winter! Rodents can cause expensive damage to your property. Learning some common signs of rodents in your home is the first step in identifying an infestation and establishing a rodent control plan.
One of the most common and telling signs that a rodent is in your home is finding their droppings. Measuring around 1/8 to ¼” long, droppings are left behind in places where food is stored, such as the kitchen and pantries. Rodent feces can be dangerous as it can carry harmful bacteria and transmit dangerous diseases such as salmonella. When looking for these droppings, make sure to check under the sink, in pantries, in cabinets, along baseboards, and on top of wall beams.
Mice and rats are always in search of food and water and will often chew their way to it. Both rodents can cause serious damage by chewing through materials found throughout the house, such as plastic and lead pipes. House mice and Norway rats are known to gnaw on wires that are behind walls, causing the dangerous risk of a fire. Check throughout the house for any suspicious chewing marks on wires, pipes, or even plastic containers as these can be an indication that a rodent is inside your home.
Hearing strange noises at night is always concerning, but it’s also a common indicator that rodents have made their way inside. These pests are typically active during the night and, if inside, hearing them scurry around the house is common. Rodents usually prefer dark, secluded spots to build their nests, such as in attics or in between walls. Checking these areas could give you the answer on whether rodents have been infesting!
If you suspect a rodent infestation in your house, contact your local pest control company who can safely remove them from your home.
Dec 4, 2020 | Pest Control
You’ve found all the signs and you’ve confirmed it – there’s a rodent in your house. But is it a rat or a mouse? Does it really matter? How can you tell? Although there are significant differences in rat vs mouse, it can be hard for the average homeowner to distinguish between the two. The behavior, diet, and habitat of each of these pests affects how they are eliminated and prevented. Proper identification is essential for effective rodent control.
There are over 70 species of mice and rats in the United States. The most common are the Norway rat, the roof rat, and the house mouse. Let’s take a look at the difference between rats and mice and why it matters.
Behavior:
Mice are curious and will investigate anything new they come across. Because of this, you can put set mouse traps directly in their path. Mice can stand on their hind legs when they are supported by their tails. They are excellent jumpers, swimmers and climbers and are extremely fast runners. Mice are nocturnal and most active from dusk until dawn. They do not like bright lights.
Rats are more cautious than mice. They will avoid new things until they get used to them being there. Because of this, unset traps should be placed in their path first to let them get used to them and then replaced with set traps later. Rats are strong swimmers and will often live in sewers, allowing them to enter buildings through broken drains and toilets. They will climb to get to food, water, and shelter. They follow regular routines and paths each day.
Appearance:
House mice are much smaller than their rat cousins. They have small heads, small feet, pointed snouts, and large ears with some hair on them. They are usually light brown in color with some gray shading and dark tails. Their droppings are shaped like small rods.
Norway rats have heavy, thick bodies. They are the largest of the three common rodent species. They have blunt snouts and short ears with dark hair. They are usually brown with black shading and shaggy coats. Their tails are dark on top and pale underneath. Their droppings are shaped like capsules.
Roof rats have light slender bodies. They have pointed snouts and long ears with no hair. They are usually gray in color with black shading and smooth coats. Their tails are dark. They have droppings shaped like spindles.
Diet:
Mice prefer cereal grains and plants but they will feed on almost anything.
Rats will eat nearly anything, as well, but prefer fresh grain and meat. Rats also need 1/2 to 1 ounce of water a day to survive.
Habitat:
Mice prefer to nest near their food sources. They will use any soft material or shredded paper to build their nests.
Rats will burrow under buildings, along fences, and under plants or debris. Norway rats typically live in these burrows while roof rats prefer to nest in walls, attics, and trees.
Breeding:
Mice will have up to 10 litters per year and typically live from about 9 to 12 months.
Norway rats will have up to 6 litters per year and live 12 to 18 months.
Roof rats will have up to 8 litters per year but have fewer babies in their litters than Norway rats do.
Fun Facts:
The house mouse is considered one of the top 100 world’s worst invaders. They are afraid of rats because rats will eat them. Mice are also color blind.
Rats are nocturnal and have poor eyesight. Norway rats and roof rats do not get along and will actually fight each other to the death. Norway rats tend to live on the lower floors of buildings while roof rats will live on the upper floors.
Why Does It Matter?
Why does it matter whether you have a rat or a mouse? Both rat and mice droppings contain pathogens that are dangerous to humans. Both are also very good at breeding and increase their populations quickly, making them harder to control. The significance in properly identifying rats vs mice affects how they are controlled and eliminated. Because they each have such different diets, habitats, and behaviors, different methods are employed when it comes to getting rid of them. What may work for house mice might not be effective in controlling rats and vice versa.
If you have an issue with rodents or any other pests, contact a professional pest control company who can not only properly identify the nuisance pest, but also set you up with the appropriate treatment and ongoing prevention plans.
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Mar 20, 2020 | Pest Control, Wildlife
When you hear a strange scratching sound in the walls or find mysterious droppings in your pantry, it’s easy to jump to one conclusion: rodents. But identifying the specific type of rodent is the first and most critical step toward effective removal. The three most common species found in homes are the house mouse, the Norway rat, and the roof rat. Each has adapted to thrive alongside humans, but their differences are significant. While all rodents share common features like a single pair of upper incisors, short legs, and long tails, a closer look reveals distinct characteristics. Knowing whether you have a mouse vs. a rat can determine the best course of action, as their behaviors, nesting habits, and even diet vary greatly. This guide will help you spot the difference and understand why correct identification is key to protecting your home and health.
Key Differences in Appearance
At first glance, a small rat might look like a large mouse. However, there are several physical traits you can use to distinguish between these pests.
House Mouse
The house mouse is the smallest of the three, typically measuring only 4 to 6 inches long, including its tail. They are often confused with young rats due to their size. Their fur is usually light grey or brown, with a lighter, often white, belly. A house mouse has a small head with a triangular snout, long whiskers, and large, floppy ears. Their tail is thin and hairy, and notably longer in proportion to their head and body.
Norway Rat
Also known as the brown rat, the Norway rat is the largest of these rodents, growing up to 10 inches long. They have thick, heavy bodies covered in shaggy brown fur with black shading. Their underside is typically a paler color. A key identifier is their tail, which is shorter than the length of their head and body, and appears thick, hairless, and scaly. They have a blunt nose and small, hairy ears.
Roof Rat
The roof rat, also called the black rat, has a more slender body than the Norway rat and is usually about 8 inches long. Their fur is smooth and typically gray with black shading. Like the house mouse, their dark, scaly tail is longer than their head and body. They can be distinguished from mice by their large, thin, hairless ears and pointed noses.
Diet and Feeding Habits
What these pests eat and how they eat it can leave behind important clues.
- House Mouse: A mouse’s favorite food is cereal grains, but they will sample almost anything. They have a unique way of eating, known as “kibbling,” where they remove the outer husk of a grain to eat the starchy interior. Mice tend to return to the same feeding spots, which can make baiting strategies more effective. They need very little water to survive.
- Norway Rat: These rats also favor cereals but are opportunistic eaters. When they eat grains, they leave behind what looks like chopped pieces. Norway rats are creatures of habit and will seek food from the same locations consistently. They require a significant amount of water, drinking about 60 mL per day.
- Roof Rat: While they will also eat grains, roof rats have a strong preference for fruit. They do not typically return to the same feeding spot on consecutive nights, which makes trapping them more challenging. They drink around 30 mL of water daily.
Nests, Burrows, and Habitats
Where you find evidence of rodents can tell you a lot about the species you’re dealing with.
House Mouse
House mice are agile climbers and live on the ground, often nesting in burrows or hidden areas near a food source. They will build nests out of any soft material they can find, such as shredded paper, insulation, or fabric. One telltale sign of a mouse infestation is the presence of “urine pillars,” which are small mounds of grease, dirt, and urine that build up over time.
Norway Rat
As their larger size suggests, Norway rats prefer to stay on the ground. They are known for creating extensive burrows, which can cause significant damage to sewer lines and building foundations. They often travel along the same paths, leaving behind smudges from the oil and dirt on their fur. You’ll typically find them in basements, crawlspaces, and sewer systems.
Roof Rat
True to their name, roof rats are exceptional climbers and prefer to nest in elevated areas. You can find them in attics, under roofs, and within walls. In warmer climates, they may even build nests in trees. Unlike Norway rats, they tend to walk on their toes, leaving scattered, less distinct smudge marks along their paths.
Breeding and Life Cycle
Understanding the breeding habits of rodents highlights why a small problem can quickly become a large infestation. The newborns of all three species are born blind, hairless, and entirely dependent on their mother.
- House Mouse: Mice breed rapidly, producing 7 to 8 litters per year with 4-16 babies each. They reach sexual maturity in just 8 to 12 weeks.
- Norway Rat: Norway rats have 3 to 6 litters a year, with 7 to 8 babies per litter. They mature in about 10 to 12 weeks.
- Roof Rat: Roof rats produce 3 to 6 litters per year, with 5 to 10 babies each. They mature the fastest, in only 7 to 8 weeks.
Behavioral Traits and Habits
Rodents have distinct personalities and behaviors that influence how they interact with their environment.
- House Mouse: These creatures are nocturnal and curious. Their inquisitive nature makes them more willing to investigate new objects, including traps. They are excellent climbers and can squeeze through tiny holes to access different parts of your home.
- Norway Rat: Also nocturnal, Norway rats are cautious and wary of new things. This “neophobia” can make trapping them difficult. While they can climb, they prefer to stay on the lower levels of buildings.
- Roof Rat: Roof rats are skilled climbers that are most active at night. They are stronger than mice and can gnaw through various building materials. Like Norway rats, they have poor eyesight and tend to be cautious.
Identifying Rodent Droppings
One of the most common signs of a rodent infestation is their droppings. The size and shape are key identifiers.
- House Mouse: Mouse droppings are small (3-8 mm), granular, and black. They are often found scattered randomly near nesting and feeding areas.
- Norway Rat: Droppings from Norway rats are dark brown and tapered, resembling large grains of rice.
- Roof Rat: Roof rat droppings are long, thin, and smaller than those of a Norway rat. They often have a slight curve and pointed ends.
Health Risks and Property Damage
Regardless of whether you have mice or rats, any rodent infestation poses serious risks. Their droppings can spread diseases like Hantavirus and salmonellosis. Furthermore, their constant gnawing can cause structural damage to your home and create fire hazards by chewing through electrical wires.
If you suspect a rodent problem, it is essential to act quickly. A licensed pest control professional can accurately identify the species, implement safe and effective removal techniques, and create a comprehensive prevention plan to keep your home rodent-free. Contact a rodent control professional today to ensure the health and safety of your home and family.
