Is It a Mouse or a Rat?

As two of the most common pest rodents, rats and mice cause a lot of trouble for Atlanta GA area homeowners. All types of rodents share a common identifying feature: their ever-growing incisor teeth. They also typically all possess short legs and a long tail, but their similarities stop there. In addition to having different characteristics, these rodents also exhibit different behaviors. A rat infestation can be much different than a mouse infestation, which is one of the reasons why it’s important to know how to tell the difference between these two. Read on for Active Pest Control’ guide to knowing if you are dealing with a mouse or a rat problem.

All About Mice

Mice are typically significantly smaller than rats and exhibit different behaviors. Here’s how to tell them apart:

• The house mouse is usually just 2–4 inches long.
• Mice have larger ears and a longer tail compared to its body length.
• Mice are often gray or brown in color, with a lighter shade or white color on their bellies.
• Mice droppings have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
• Most mice feed on fruits, seeds, grains, and occasionally meat.
• They produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.
• Mice forage at dusk and nest in attics, garages, basements, and more.

Rat Identification

From the Norway rat to the roof rat, these rodents are known for being larger than their mouse counterparts.

• Rats have thicker bodies and tails that are shorter than the length of their body.
• They possess small hairy ears and larger feet.
• They weigh anywhere from 150 to 300 grams.
• Rat droppings are banana-shaped and much bigger than mice droppings at 10–20 mm long.
• Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
• Rats are adventurous, omnivorous eaters who will feed on a variety of grains and meats.
• They forage overnight and nest in garages, trees, and basements.

Are Rats More Dangerous Than Mice?

Due to their gnawing and chewing habits, a mouse or rat infestation can be equally dangerous. Rodents are infamous for their ability to carry and spread a number of potentially dangerous diseases. They also can trigger allergies in people. A rodent problem can be a mess to clean up due to the amount of droppings and urine left behind. Lastly, they can cause significant damage to your home. Both mice and rats will chew through insulation, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring, which can create a fire hazard in your property.

How to Tell If You Have Rats or Mice

It can be easy to tell when you have a rodent problem in your home. However, you likely do not want to get close enough to tell whether you have rats or mice! Your best bet at knowing is to enlist the help of a rodent control expert such as Active Pest Control. We can determine the rodent species that has infested your property and come up with a plan to control them—quick.