You might have a rodent infestation if you notice droppings, urine stains, gnaw marks on packaged food, or chewed electrical wires. Mice and rats come into homes in search of food and shelter. That said, there are different techniques when it comes to removing mice and rats, so it’s important to know which type of rodent you are dealing with.
Rats are bigger than mice, which means their droppings and bite marks will be larger as well. They also create nests in different locations. For example, rats like to nest in attics or basements, while mice nest near heat sources like ovens or refrigerators.
While it’s possible to determine the type of infestation by yourself, it’s easier to contact a professional. At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we can assess your home to figure out whether you have mice or rats, locate the animals, and safely remove them from the property.
Mouse vs Rat Infestation: Telling the Difference
Before you begin to address your rodent infestation, you need to know whether you are dealing with rats or mice. Having rodents in your home can be incredibly distressing, so you must have all the information you need to evict them successfully.
You can evaluate the following signs of rodent infestations to determine if you have mice or rats:
Droppings
Rat droppings are larger, averaging at about ½ to ¾ inches. They are also shiny and capsule-shaped. On the other hand, mouse droppings are only 3 to 8mm, dark colored, and granular. While rat droppings tend to be in little piles, mice scatter their droppings all around.
Chew Marks
Rodents tend to chew on packaged foods, furniture, and even electrical wires. You’ll find gnaw marks on items around your house. You can tell the difference between a mouse and rat infestation by looking at the size of the gnaw marks.
Rats are bigger, which means they’ll leave larger marks on the things they chew on.
Noises
Rats tend to make loud gnawing noises, while mice are known for producing squeaking sounds. Both types of rodents will make scratching noises while they scurry around your home.
Odor
Mice have a musky odor. Their nests can contribute to their musky and fishy smell. On the other hand, rats are known for having an ammonia-like smell. This smell develops from frequent urination, which releases ammonia when it dries.
Nests
Mice create their nests near heat sources like ovens or refrigerators. They might use paper or fibrous materials to create their nests. Rats like to build nests in dark and private areas like attics or basements.
Holes
Rodents make holes in walls or the ground to secure shelter and establish burrows that let them escape from predators. You can tell the difference between rats and mice by looking at the holes they’ve created.
Rats tend to have holes that are between 2 to 4 inches in diameter, as they need to be big enough for them to squeeze through. In contrast, mouse holes are usually only the size of a dime.
Behavior
Rats tend to be more cautious and social, while mice are more curious and solitary. This means that rats tend to hang out together, however, they are less likely to investigate new things. As a result, it can be more difficult to trap rats.
On the other hand, mice tend to travel alone and are interested in checking out new things. Unlike rats, they’ll have a hard time resisting the cheese you leave on a mousetrap.
Size
If you see a rodent running around, you can probably tell whether it is a rat or a mouse by looking at its size.
Rats are much bigger than mice, with a body length of 9 to 11 inches and a tail length of 7 to 9 inches. Mice only have a 3 to 4-inch body and a 2 to 4-inch tail.
What to Do if You Have a Rodent Problem
If you notice rodent droppings near food sources or hear scratching sounds, there could be mice or rats living in your home. Because rodents can spread diseases, damage your electrical wiring, and wreak havoc on the health of your home, you should always look for a professional pest control solution.
At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we can trap and relocate rodents from your home. Because we always use a humane and ethical approach to animal removal, you don’t have to worry about us harming the rodents. Instead, we will take them to a location where they can contribute to the ecosystem without coming in contact with humans and household pets.
Whether you have a rat or mouse problem, we can assess the infestation, remove the rodents, and provide you with resources to address any damage the rodents caused to your home.
Get Connected to a Rodent Removal Service
If you or a loved one is dealing with a rodent problem, it’s time to seek professional help. Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is experienced in removing both mice and rats, making us the best choice for eliminating a rodent infestation.
Contact us today for more information on how to get rats and mice out of your home.
