Do I have rats or mice?
Mice and rats are both worthy of concern if you have come across them in your home or business. The first step in the effective management of either rodent is to understand what type you are dealing with. These rodents have similar appearances and share typical behaviors, so it can be quite challenging to differentiate between the two.
Mouse vs. Rat Similarities
There are characteristics that both rats and mice share that make them difficult to distinguish. Some of these similarities include:
- Continuous Growth of Incisor Teeth: Mice and rats have incisor teeth that grow throughout their lifetime. They manage tooth length by gnawing on materials in and around your property. This gnawing can lead to damage and hazards on your property.
- Seeking Shelter in Cold Weather: Rodents search for warm places to hide when the temperatures drop. This often leaves homes or other structures susceptible to rodent invasions in spaces like garages, wall voids, and basements.
- Nocturnal Activity: Mice and rats are most active during the night, making it harder to notice them and address the infestation promptly.
Do You Have a Rodent Problem? We Can Help.
Click the button below to leave your information & we'll be in touch in an hour or less.
Rat vs. Mouse Differences
While mice and rats have some similarities, some differences help in telling them apart:
- Size: The bodies of rats are much larger than mice as they can measure between six and nine inches in length. Mice will usually range between two to five inches long.
- Body Proportions: When compared to their body size, mice have large ears and long tails, giving them a delicate appearance. Rats are described as more hefty due to their small, thick ears and large feet.
- Droppings: If you notice droppings, you can usually tell by the size if it is from a rat or a mouse. Rat droppings are around 10-20 mm in length and spindle-shaped while mouse droppings are only about one to two mm in length and rod-shaped.
- Reproduction Rate: Mice reproduce faster than rats, with up to ten litters per year that contain up to 14 pups. Rats only produce about three to six litters and have up to ten pups in each litter.
- Dietary Habits: Dietary preferences can also vary. Mice predominately will eat grains, fruits, and seeds while rats will eat a larger range of food including meats and refuse found in garbage.
Professional Extermination for Rats and Mice
Both rats and mice pose significant health risks to members who live in the household. They can also cause substantial damage and safety risks to your property through nesting and chewing habits. Eliminating these rodents is urgent and may warrant assistance from a professional rodent exterminator.
Should you suspect an infestation of rodents in your business or home, reach out as quickly as possible to the professionals at American Pest Management. With over 40 years of experience in the Manhattan, Kansas City Metro, and surrounding areas area, we offer extermination services that will tackle mouse or rat problems effectively. Contact us today!