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.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Crawly Winter Insects
What Attracts Moles to Your Yard?
Holiday Pantry Pests
13 Energy Saving Tips For Winter
Is Mosquito Control Needed in Winter?
Nov 18, 2020 | Wildlife
The temperatures have dropped, the warm heat is running throughout the house, and we are all bundled up under a blanket come nightfall. While we enjoy the indoor warmth, the creatures outside could be a bit envious. Most wildlife animals are looking for shelter to keep them warm and provide them with a food source. We breakdown some common wildlife that roam about during the colder months and why they can be harmful to your home and family.
Norway Rats
One common pest encountered in the fall and winter is the Norway rat. These rodents are most active at night, when they begin their search for food and water. They exist in large numbers and are known to produce up to 5 litters per year with an average of 7 babies per litter! If given the opportunity, Norway rats will enter through open holes and gaps leading inside your home. If they gain access, they can be dangerous as they will chew electrical wires, putting you at risk of house fires.
Raccoons
While raccoons can look cute to some, having them destroy your property is not ideal for any homeowner. These animals are talented, capable of using their paws to open doors and lids. They often live in hollowed trees or caves but can also sneak inside the attic and garage to find warmth and food. Once these pests find a food source, they will keep returning to search for more. This can be not only dangerous, as there is potential they could have rabies, but it is also a nuisance as they can cause considerable damage to your roof or inside the home.
Squirrels
Squirrels spend most of their time in trees foraging for food. While these animals might look harmless, they can easily become a threat if they find themselves inside your home. These pests are looking for a food source and will commonly invade bird feeders, garbage cans, and attics. If access is gained into your attic, squirrels can cause damage to the wood, insulation, wires, and even storage boxes. Their urine and droppings can also contaminate attic insulation, which can be extremely costly to replace.
If you suspect that one or more of these wildlife creatures have gotten inside your home, it’s best to contact your local wildlife control company. A professional will be able to locate any entry points, create a customized plan, and prevent them from returning in the future.
Apr 9, 2020 | DIY, DIY Wildlife Prevention, Pest Control, Wildlife
As the corona virus continues to spread, people around the world are drastically changing their daily routines. Tourism has come to a grinding halt. Restaurants are closed and people are staying home. What many don’t realize is this change in our daily lives is also affecting the ecosystem within cities. As there is less urban traffic, there is less food for pests and rodents – like rats. According to experts, if rats lose these established food sources (e.g. trash in cans in the park or dumpsters outside restaurants) then they will start fighting over any food that remains, even going so far as to kill each other in order to survive.
Because rats are having to get creative in finding new food sources, there is now a trending surge of rats invading homes and essential businesses in search of their next meal. Rats will follow the smell of food into homes, being as bold as necessary to find food in their effort to survive. Rats in homes pose serious risks – they will chew through wires and cables putting you at risk for fires and they carry diseases of their own which can easily be transmitted to you and your family. While there is no evidence that rats themselves can become infected with corona virus, there is some risk for spreading it to humans. Rats are known to crawl through sewer pipes containing human feces which has been shown to contain the virus. They then make their way into your home and contaminate any surfaces they touch with the virus-laden feces, potentially allowing humans who come in contact with these contaminated surfaces to contract the virus. The CDC reports that although this scenario is possible, the risk of transmission by feces is actually quite low.
To protect your family and/or essential business, the following rat prevention tips can help to prevent a rat infestation, limit the spread of disease, and keep your environment a safe-haven, during shelter-in-place orders and in the future:
- Use outdoor trashcans with tight-fitting lids.
- Seal any cracks under doors and other openings to the outside.
- Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows.
- Seal around utility pipes with steel wool and either caulk or concrete.
- Repair any roof damage such as broken tiles or gaps under eaves.
- Keep limbs and branches trimmed back to they are not touching your home or business.
- Declutter any areas where rats may hide including garages, attics, gardens, storage sheds, warehouses, etc.
- Keep food stored in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum often.
- Don’t leave pet food and water out overnight.
- Clean up spilled pet food and bird seed and store in containers with tight fitting lids.
- Keep toilet lids closed as rats have been known to swim up damaged pipes and into toilets.
- Use tightly fitted metal grates or screens to cover drains, especially in basements.
If you notice a rodent problem in your home or essential business, contact a professional pest control company. Rats can cause serious health risks to your family or employees, as well as the risk for fire and other structural damage to your home and property. A licensed wildlife exclusion company will inspect your home to identify your animal problem, determine where they are getting in, remove them, and prevent the animals from getting into your home in the future. They can also inform you of any existing damage or contamination and provide you with a recommendation for repairs or clean-up.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Keeping Pantry Pests Away
5 Things That Could Be Attracting Termites to Your Home
Summer Without Bed Bug Worry
Summer Wildlife Removal: Common Home Invaders
What is the Difference Between Traditional and Green Pest Control?
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.
Dec 11, 2019 | Pest Control
As the holidays near, the time you spend in your kitchen increases. However, while you stock up on your holiday baking essentials, you could be providing stored product pests, or “pantry pests”, with their own holiday feast. Here are a few tips to keep your kitchen free of these unwelcome guests:
- Pantry pests, like Indian Meal Moths, are attracted to items such as flour, oats, spices, and dry cereal. When completing your holiday shopping for these types of items, be sure to inspect packages and confirm that they are sealed properly. Once you have opened these items, look to store them in plastic or glass containers with secure lids, cutting off access for pantry pests.
- Rodents can cause major issues for the health of you and your family. They can spread bacteria and viruses and, if their droppings build up within your cabinets, it can cause the air you breathe to become contaminated. To avoid a rodent infestation, keep your cabinets, pantries, and counters clean and free of crumbs and dispose of expired foods.
- Check any existing open items in your pantry for signs of pantry pests before adding new items to avoid spreading an infestation.
No one invited these pests to your holiday party in the first place, so taking these precautions can help you enjoy the holiday baking and time with your loved ones. If you think you are having an issue with stored product pests, call your local licensed pest control company to schedule an inspection so you can get back to the sweet smells of the holidays.
