Feb92022
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What is the Difference Between a Mouse and a Rat?

Rodents are one of the most common pests we deal with here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These small mammals frequently invade homes, searching for food and warmth. In fact, it is believed that up to 95% of houses have mice! Most homeowners are unaware that rodents are living in their attics and walls until they start to cause noticeable problems.

While mice and rats fall into the rodent family, there are quite a few differences between them. Depending on which rodent species you are dealing with, you will want to choose different pest control methods to remove them. To solve your rodent problem, learn how to tell the difference between a rat and a mouse.

Table of Contents

  • What is the Difference Between a Mouse and a Rat?
  • Physical Characteristics
  • Mouse Behavior vs. Rat Behavior
  • Droppings
  • Habitat, Breeding, and Diet
  • Health Risks and Damage
  • How Can AWPC Help with Mice and Rats?

Physical Characteristics

There are over 70 species of rodents found throughout North America. The most common rodents found in homes and businesses in Milwaukee are the house mouse and Norway rat.

House Mouse

The biggest difference is their size. Mice have smaller slender bodies (1 to 4 inches in length). They have a small head, pointed snout, long hairy tail, and large floppy ears. On average, an adult house mouse weighs 0.5 to 1 ounce. These mice have light brown fur with a dark tail.

Norway Rat

Rats are considerably larger than mice. Norway rats have large, thick bodies (6-16 inches in length). They have a blunt snout, long hairless, scaly tail, and small hairy ears. On average, an adult rat weighs about 1 pound. These rats have dark brown fur with tails that are dark on top and pale underneath.

Mouse Behavior vs. Rat Behavior

One of the most important differences between mice and rats is their behavior. Mice are curious, and rats are cautious. Even though they are smaller in size, mice are inquisitive and will explore anything new, including mouse traps. Rats are very careful and often choose to avoid new things. Because of this, it can take some time to trap a rat. Placing unset traps in a rat’s path will allow the rat to get used to them being there before putting set rat traps. 

Droppings

Both rats and mice are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active from dusk to dawn. Rodents forage and feed at night when predators are typically asleep. You may never actually see a mouse or rat in your house. You are more likely to see their droppings.
[Photo Credit by The Bug Master]

  • Mouse Droppings

    If you find piles of droppings roughly a quarter-inch in length with pointed ends, you likely have a mouse problem. Mouse droppings are often found near nests and food sources. They resemble black pieces of grain.

  • Rat Droppings

    Rat droppings are less plentiful and are longer (three-quarters of an inch in length) with a wider, capsule-like appearance. They resemble large grains of rice.

Mouse Habitat, Breeding, and Diet

Mice are opportunistic feeders and will feed on whatever is available, especially dry cereal grains and plants. A house mouse will build its nest near a reliable food source. Common places where mice nest include kitchen cabinets, crawl spaces, attics, wall voids, and underneath kitchen appliances. They will use soft, fibrous materials, like shredded paper, grass, old clothing, and insulation to construct their nests.

Mice are prolific breeders. A single female mouse can produce at least 30 to 60 pups each year. Mice usually live about 9 to 12 months but can live up to 3 years inside a house.

Rat Habitat, Breeding, and Diet

Rats are opportunistic feeders and will feed on whatever is available, especially fresh grains and meat. Rats prefer to burrow into the ground or underneath debris or buildings. Norway rats live mostly in burrows along fences and buildings, while roof rats nest in walls, attics, and trees.

Rats are also prolific breeders. A single female rat can produce up to 80 offspring each year. Rats have shorter lifespans than mice. They usually live for about a year.

Health Risks and Damage

Rodents can cause a lot of damage and can transmit harmful bacteria. Whether you are dealing with mice or rats, it is best to get the problem taken care of immediately and properly by a pest management professional.

  • Damage Caused by Mice

    Mice only need a quarter-inch opening to gain access into your home. Once inside, they will damage walls, furniture, ceilings, and attic insulation. Mice chew through wires, creating electrical issues and fire risks. They are also a significant public health pest. Mice contaminate stored food with droppings that can carry salmonella and hantavirus.

  • Damage Caused by Rats

    Rats only need a half-inch opening to gain access into your home. They have strong front teeth, allowing them to chew through anything standing in their way. If a hole is too smaller, they can easily chew to make it larger. Once inside, they will damage walls, ceilings, furniture, and attic insulation. They are also a significant public health pest. Rats contaminate stored food with droppings that can carry hantavirus and salmonella. Rat bites can also lead to rate bite fever and plague.

How Can Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control Help with Mice and Rats?

At Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control, we understand how difficult rodent infestations can be to remove and the headaches they cause homeowners and businesses throughout Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. We are here to help! Our licensed and experienced rodent exterminators conduct thorough home inspections to identify the rodent species, the source, and the severity of the rodent infestation. 

If holes or openings aren’t closed, you will continue to have mice and rat problems. Our pest management professionals will seal up any entry points with heavy-duty sheet metal or wire mesh to prevent future rodent entry. Successful rodent control also requires ongoing maintenance. With our cold winters, your house will shift and create new openings. Our technicians perform quarterly checks to re-inspect your home and refill bait stations to keep your home and family protected against mice and rats year-round.

Have mice or rats in your home? Give us a call today at (262) 242-4390 or send us a message.

Category: Rodents