What Is the Difference Between Rats and Mice?

Is your rodent problem keeping you up at night? Do you notice signs of rodents in your pantry or cabinets? Rodent problems are more common than many California homeowners realize. In fact, a recent panel of pest control experts stated that California is currently experiencing a rat infestation that threatens public health.

The key to rodent pest control in Sacramento is to properly identify which type of rodent is living in your home. Our pest control company can evaluate your home and help determine which type of rodent you have. Using a step-by-step process, our Sacramento rat exterminators will be able to identify where the rodents live and how they get into your home.

Once your rodent problem is properly identified, we can determine the best way to remove them. After all, the rodent removal techniques that work best on mice do not necessarily work well on rats. That is why it is important to understand the differences between rats and mice.

Differences Between Rats and Mice

There are many differences between rats and mice. To further complicate matters, there are also many different species of rats and mice. In fact, there are over 70 different species of mice and rats across North America.

The most common mouse in the United States is the house mouse. This mouse is typically found living in the structure of homes. The most common types of rats in the United States is the Norway rat (brown rat) and the roof rat.

Rats 
Mice
Length up to nine inches
Length up to four inches
Blunt snout
Triangular snout with long whiskers
Long hairless tails with scales
Long, thin hairy tails
Produce up to 50 droppings per day
Produce up to 100 droppings per day
Droppings shaped like capsules or spindles
Droppings shaped like rods
Difficult to trap because they are fearful
Easier to trap due to natural curiosity
Norway rats prefer to live on lower levels like basements. Roof rats prefer to live in attics.
Prefer to climb and live in upper spaces like attics and walls
Stronger teeth can puncture metal cans
Weaker teeth and cannot break into metal cans
Timid and fearful
Bold
Weigh up to 11 ounces
Weigh up to half of an ounce
Can dig underground
Do not burrow
Live between 12 and 18 months
Live between 9 and 12 months

Both rats and mice can cause significant damage to your property and jeopardize your health. Rodent damage can be extensive. They can gnaw on wires and other building materials. They can destroy food and furniture. In addition, rodents carry bacteria and other transmittable diseases. Getting rid of a rodent problem is critical to avoid serious health complications.

Do You Need Rodent Pest Control in Sacramento?

Understanding the differences between rats and mice is key to getting rid of your rodent problem once and for all. If you have a rodent problem or suspect you might, it is important to call a rat exterminator in Sacramento. At Jones Bros Pest Control, Inc., we work with home and business owners to identify which type of rodent problem they have. We then use this knowledge to rid their homes of rats and mice.

To speak with us about rodent control, call 916-852-8800. You can also fill out our online contact form detailing your pest problem, and we will get back to you with a quote.