Understanding the differences between mice and rats is essential to rodent removal. It also allows you and your exterminator to create a customized plan to maintain a healthy residence, as both rodents carry various diseases. To identify which species have become uninvited guests in your home and expedite the rodent removal process, use this guide.

Appearance & Droppings

Mice are only between 12 to 20 centimeters long and up to 30 grams in weight. They're white, gray, or brown with relatively large, floppy ears, long whiskers, and rounded or pointed snouts. Their tails are also long, hairy, and thin, and they produce brown, rod-shaped droppings.

Rats are typically 40 centimeters long and weigh twice as much as mice, if not more. While black is the signature color associated with rats, they also come in white, brown, and gray shades. Their snouts are blunter than mice snouts, and their ears are small compared to their size. Rat tails are significantly thicker than mice tails, as well as scaly and hairless. Finally, their brownish-black droppings can have spindle or capsule-like appearances, depending on the type of rat.

Food Preferences & Behavior

Both creatures are nocturnal and more active at night, though it's possible to spot them any time of day. Rats and mice also share feeding preferences, as both will consume all types of human food, though rats favor grains and meats.

Mice enter homes by chewing through various materials and are capable of running, jumping, swimming, and climbing with ease. Their curious nature makes them prone to exploration, especially since they use homes for nesting, food, water, and shelter.

Rats dig their way into residences and are less likely to be seen due to their cautious nature. However, the grease marks they leave behind indicate their presence. Like mice, rats are also excellent swimmers but don't typically jump or climb. They stay within 300 feet of their burrows and use the same paths daily.

If you need rodent removal in Port Orchard, WA, or the surrounding areas, contact Extermination Services. These licensed exterminators offer a variety of pest solutions, in addition to 60-day warranties on rodent removal. Call (360) 895-1890 today to request an estimate, or learn more about the exterminators online.