You’ve just come across some tiny droppings behind your kitchen counter and you’ve heard some squeaking in the walls at night. At this point, it’s obvious that you have a rodent infestation. But which rodent species is it exactly? Norway rats and mice need to be controlled using different methods, so correctly identifying the species responsible for the infestation is essential to the removal process. In this article, we’re going to go over the signs that set mouse and rat infestations apart.

The main differences between rats and mice

Mice and rats are quite different. They both belong to the rodent family, but rats are considerably larger, reaching lengths of 18 inches, while mice only reach six inches. In fact, the only time when mice and rats are confused with each other is when you compare a baby rat with an adult mouse, but even then, you can tell the two apart, because the baby rat will have a disproportionately large head. Rats are also smarter than mice. Mice are quite curious, especially when compared to rats, which are very paranoid animals that will not even approach food that is suspiciously placed in their environments.

Are rats more dangerous than mice

Rats are usually more dangerous than mice because they can do more damage to the home due to their size. However, both species are capable of carrying dozens of diseases, and they both reproduce quickly. Rats are also harder to control than mice so that adds to the severity of the rat infestation.

Controlling a rat or a mouse infestation

If you have rodents in the home, it’s important to figure out if you are dealing with rats or mice. Because rats are bigger than mice, they will be able to survive and escape mouse traps. Some poisons will also be specific to certain species. A pro can be of great help here. All professional rodent control processes start with an inspection to assess the species responsible, the main areas of activity, and the size of the infestation. With this information in mind, the pro will then move on to control, using the right methods and approaches to ensure that the infestation is removed quickly and completely. If you have any questions about the rodent control process, or if you have a rodent infestation, contact us today.