The Difference Between a Mouse and Rat in WI
Rodents are common pests in Southeastern Wisconsin. Rat and mice control services are increasingly popular in Ozaukee County, Milwaukee County, Washington County, and Waukesha County. However, many homeowners don’t quite recognize the difference between a mouse and a rat. That’s why Advanced Wildlife Control Inc. is here to provide you with clarity.
Table of Contents
- The Difference Between a Mouse and Rat in WI
- Premier Mice & Rats Pest Control
- Exploring Rats & Mice
- The Size of a Rat vs a Mouse
- Physical Characteristics of Rats & Mice
- What Do Mice Eat?
- What Do Rats Eat?
- Rats & Mice Breeding Habits
- Health Risks Associated With Rodents
- Do Mice Carry Diseases?
- Do Rats Carry Disease?
- Considerations That Influence Mice vs Rats Pest Control
Premier Mice & Rats Pest Control
Rats and mice are small mammals that frequently invade homes in search of food and warmth. It is believed that approximately 95% of homes have mice. Unfortunately, most homeowners are unaware of their rodent houseguests until noticeable problems arise. That’s where Advanced Wildlife Control Inc.’s rats and mice control services come in.
Exploring Rats & Mice
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 need to choose a specific pest control method to remove them. This makes it crucial to recognize the difference between rats and mice.
The Size of a Rat vs a Mouse
Over 70 species of rodents are found throughout North America. The most common species include the house mouse and Norway rat. These two rodents differ greatly in terms of physical characteristics. Norway rats are considerably larger than mice, measuring between 6 and 16″. In contrast, the average house mouse is only 1-4″ in length.
Physical Characteristics of Rats & Mice
Beyond their size, mice and rats have very different physical attributes. The standard house mouse has a small head, pointed snout, long, hairy tail, and large, floppy ears with light brown fur. On the other hand, rats have blunt snouts, long, hairless, scaly tails, small hairy ears, and dark brown fur.
What Do Mice Eat?
Mice are opportunistic feeders. They will feed on whatever is available, including 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.
What Do Rats Eat?
Similar to mice, rats are not very challenging to please when it comes to food. They will seek out whatever is easiest to access. However, unlike mice, which strategically build their habitat around food sources, rats prefer to burrow, whether underground outdoors or in the walls or attic of a home.
Rats & Mice Breeding Habits
Mice and rats are prolific breeders. A female mouse can give birth to 30-60 pups per year, with as many as one litter every three weeks. Rats reproduce equally as fast, producing up to 80 offspring annually. Mice can live 9-12 months outdoors or up to three years indoors, whereas a rat’s lifespan is one year.
Health Risks Associated With Rodents
Rodents are linked to extensive property damage and harmful bacteria. Whether you are dealing with mice or rats, it is best to get the problem taken care of immediately by a pest management professional. Failing to address these infestations can lead to costly repairs and severe health and safety risks.
Do Mice Carry Diseases?
Homeowners should be aware of a range of diseases from mice. These tiny pests are more than a discomfort but a serious health risk. Mice can contaminate food with their droppings, which can carry salmonella and hantavirus, leading to severe illness and respiratory conditions.
Do Rats Carry Disease?
Not only are rats large and unsettling to look at, but they are also potentially damaging to your health and safety. Rats pose a significant risk of salmonella and hantavirus, just like their mouse counterparts. However, in addition to these concerns, rats can also cause rat-bite fever.
Considerations That Influence Mice vs Rats Pest Control
Certain considerations influence how Advanced Wildlife Control Inc. tackles rats vs mice pest removal. These key factors include:
- Mice are braver, making them easier to trap
- Rats are more cautious and challenging to trap
- Mice can squeeze into smaller hiding spots
- Mice are skilled climbers, and rats rarely climb
Secure Comprehensive Rats & Mice Pest Removal
At Advanced Wildlife Control Inc., we understand the strain of dealing with a rodent infestation. That’s why we provide comprehensive mice and rats pest control solutions to homeowners in Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties. Contact us today for quality rodent control.