Do I Have Rats or Mice?

Dealing with a rodent infestation is no walk in the park, but distinguishing between rats and mice is crucial when it comes to handling them properly. While they share a few common traits—like those ever-growing incisors, hairless tails, and a knack for scavenging—rats and mice are distinct species that require specific treatments.

To tell rats and mice apart, take a look at:

Droppings: Rat droppings tend to be larger, measuring between 10-20mm in length, while mouse droppings are much smaller, only about 1-2mm long.
Physical Appearance: Rats are larger, typically reaching 6-9 inches, with small, hairy ears and larger feet.
Size of the Rodent: Mice are considerably smaller, up to 5 inches at most, boasting larger ears and tails relative to their body size.
Infestation Size: Rat infestations may indicate fewer, larger pests, while mouse infestations might involve more individuals, thanks to their higher reproduction rate.
Damage Scale: Rats tend to cause more substantial damage, owing to their size, compared to the smaller but potentially more numerous mice.

Mice vs Rats

Though rats and mice belong to different species, they share certain natural traits. Both rodents have chisel-shaped incisors, top and bottom, that keep growing incessantly, fueling their constant need to chew. They’re also both scavengers that are capable of transmitting diseases, especially if they invade our kitchens. That said, here’s what you need to know about rats and mice:

Rats: These are larger in size and have small, hairy ears and large feet. Their droppings are also much larger, measuring between 10 and 20 mm long. Each year, rats can produce up to 6 litters containing 10 pups. They prefer eating meats, grease, and other scavenged items.
Mice: These are considerably smaller than rats, measuring up to 5 inches in length. Their droppings are also smaller, but they have large ears and tails compared to their body size. Mice are capable of producing up to 10 litters every year, each containing up to 14 pups. They tend to eat seeds and grains.

Which is Worse: Mouse or Rat?

You might wonder which of these critters is the lesser threat. Truth be told, both rats and mice rank high on the trouble scale, and neither is a welcome guest. It’s important to take quick action if you suspect you have an infestation. Why? Because these critters carry harmful pathogens that could lead to fatal diseases. Not just that, they’re notorious for causing serious structural damage to your property. If you spot droppings or chew marks, don’t play the guessing game; it’s time to bring in the pros. Reach out to the rodent exterminators at Active Pest Control to get started.

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