Mice and rats might look similar, but they have some subtle differences. In fact, many people still do not know that they both are different and fail to recognize the difference. They are both rodents and can cause havoc in your home if they invade. But, it may be confusing to determine which one is causing more trouble than the two. This is important because treating a mouse infestation is different from treating rats.
If you have enough time to observe the rodent closely, you might be able to identify it accurately. However, when you are in your kitchen and see something move very fast across your floor, it can be next to impossible to distinguish. Then, you are left with the only option of contacting Saela Pest Control. A professional pest control agency will understand how they are making their way into your home and also ensure they leave without making their way back into your home.
How do you tell a mouse from a rat?
Rats and mice both belong to the class rodentia and hence are rodents. It includes other gnawing animals, such as beavers and squirrels. Rats and mice share many similarities. However, there are several ways to differentiate between them.
Some of the easiest ways to differentiate between them are as follows:
- Size: The average size of a house mouse is 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Field mice can be twice as long. However, an average rat’s size starts from 5 to 8 inches. Mice are noticeably smaller and have less weight. Since rats have a side benefit, in order to take over a territory, rats can even eat away mice.
- Tail: You can also differentiate between a rat and a mouse by looking at their tails. Mice have thin, long tails that are covered in fur. However, rats have comparatively thicker and shorter tails.
- Behavior: Although these two animals fall in the same category, i.e., rodents, they have differences in their behavior. Despite being smaller in size, mice tend to be bolder than rats. Mice are curious and like to explore new things, including traps. It will be more difficult to catch rats than mice. Rats are more cautious rodents and live in fear; they do not explore like mice.
- Damage: Either of them can cause significant damage to your property, and it is important to call for professional help to address the problem. Mice have much weaker teeth than rats. Therefore, any food that is properly sealed in a metal or glass container will help you prevent it from contamination. However, this may not be the case with rats. They have much stronger teeth and can chew through various building materials, including wires, cables, sheet metal, glass, etc.
What if I fail to recognize the difference?
You do not have to be an expert in identifying the difference. Knowing that both of them cause sufficient damage to your home is enough to take the right steps. Instead, you can contact a professional pest control service and let them take care of identifying these pests and removing them from your home.
