What’s the difference between rats and mice?

Rats, mice. Mice, rats. Little squeaky noised rodents that are all the same. Right?

While although mice and rats have many similarities in both physical appearance and behaviour, they are not the same. Both rodents? Yes. Both small? Yes. Both possible problems for the average homeowner/property owner? Yes. Same rodent? Nope!

The names mice and rat have always been used interchangeably to describe these rodents running around the property, but should they?  Mice and rats have some significant differences when it comes down to it, but what is important to know are the different types of damages they can cause.

There’s a reason as to why rats and mice are often mixed up, so let’s start with the similarities: The main reason why these two are regarded as the same is because of how they look. Both mice and rats are small rodents, with rounded bodies, a pointed snout with ears that stick up and a long tail. They both scurry through the city, finding their ways into basement, kitchens and hiding between walls, looking for shelter and a reliable food source.

What’s the difference between a rat and mice?

Let’s break it down and identify some of the different characteristics mice and rats have from each other.

Mice

  • Mice have larger ears than rats
  • Smaller in size (3-10cm)
  • Weighs up to 19g
  • Long hairy tail
  • Lifespan avg. 2 years
  • Smaller droppings
  • Mostly herbivore

Rats

  • Larger than mice (can grow up to 40cm)
  • Smaller pointed ears
  • Hairless tails
  • Rats can weigh over 100g
  • Larger droppings
  • Known as omnivorous/opportunistic eaters
  • Stronger and therefore can cause more damage than mice
  • Lifespan avg. 2.5 years

Knowing some of these key identifying factors can be helpful for you when determining whether you have a mice or rat living on your property.

What are the dangers of having these critters in your house?

Whether you’re hosting either mice on your property, or rats, regardless of the rodent, you’re going to want to have it removed. While they do have many differences as mentioned above, another thing they do have in common (although not always to the same degree) are some of the risks.

Here are some things to be aware of and take precautions for if you’re experiencing any rodent problem

  • Rodents catching and transferring different bacteria, germs
  • Droppings from rodents can potentially be a health risk
  • Possible carriers of parasites
  • Getting bitten or scratched
  • Chewing through your wires
  • Growing population on your property
  • Nuisance for your pets
  • Chewing through structure of property or through personal belongings
  • Leaving droppings and making a mess

And more

Why you should get professional help

Although there are many rat and mice control solutions out there on the market or DIY methods online, they may not always be the most effective nor safest solution.

Getting professional wildlife and pest control services is recommended especially if you have had no previous experience dealing with these sorts of problems. Hiring a professional ensures that the safety precautions are taken, that proper methods are instilled, that effective measures are put in to place and that you will get the results you want.

The sooner you call, the faster you can eliminate the chance of an increasing rodent infestation! If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS wildlife control, we provide superior pest control services for residential, commercial and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results every single time. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.

Rodent Removal

Last Updated: May 2016

With the cold weather approaching you may start to find unwanted guests in your home, pests like mice and rats in particular! The cold drives them into your home for heat and if they find a food source and adequate shelter, they will stay. When mice or rats enter your home you need rodent removal immediately. These rodents pose serious health risks for humans. Mice and rats are known to carry diseases, bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Signs Rodents are in your house

A sign that you need rodent removal is when you see mice droppings or rat droppings usually in the form of small dark pellets. You may see bits of chewed-up food packages and holes in and around foundation and walls. You might also be able to hear them in your walls or ceiling. And of course, seeing a mice run across the floor is also clear evidence. They often lurk in the basement, the kitchen, the pantry and even your bedroom.

Toronto Rodent Infestation

Toronto homes are ideal for rodents as many of them have a significant amount of years on them. Due to the normal aging process of a structure, they often develop many nooks and crannies through which rats and mice can enter. Many Toronto homes have cavity wall structures, which means there is a space between brickwork on the outside and drywall on the inside for the purposes of insulation. Rats and mice can enter through spaces in the wall and search out floorboards to come up through. To help prevent rodent problems, cover up all exterior holes and cracks on your property using wire mesh and spray foam insulation. You can do this yourself but it;s recommended to hire a professional. A professional will be familiar with the common places to look in and will be able to properly handle it. Professionals know how to identify entry points, nesting sites, areas of activity and where to place the traps. Although residents use glue boards, snap traps and rat poison to try to get rid of mice and rats, you need to remember that pest control companies are regulated by Ontario and are trained and licensed on how they use these methods. It’s recommended to hire a professional due to  the risks with poison which can be dangerous if not used properly; if residents inadvertently scatter it around or don’t follow the instructions on the labels correctly it could be ingested by pets or small children. One case in Oakville, ON, a resident carelessly scattered rat poison to kill pests and ended up killing three dogs and left a couple other dogs seriously ill. Read more on Global News here.

Professional Rodent Removal

As stated, we highly advise to use a professional for rodent removal. There are risks when hosting mice and rats and even more when incorrectly handling the situation. You can read further on in our articles mice removal and rat control. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated will arrive at your home to get details on the situation, find out where you have seen rodent or rodent activity or have heard them. We will then assess the interiors and exteriors of your home or business. The entrances they get through will be covered with mesh and foam insulation to prevent further pests from entering. Bait stations will be set up in your property in strategically placed areas. The bait will be in a locked government approved, tamper resistant station. A follow-up may be required afterwards to re-apply control measures if necessary..

Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at 647-994-9453 for Rodent Removal

 

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