Mice and rats may be related, but their habitats and behaviors are quite different. They can also cause varying levels of damage to your home, which is why you shouldn’t wait to call a rodent control service. They breed in the spring, so familiarize yourself with the differences in these critters and keep an eye out for signs of their presence.

Mice Breed Rapidly & Cause More Damage

One female mouse can have nearly 50 offspring over multiple litters. Those babies can have litters of their own at 6 weeks old, which means your house can quickly become overrun with rodents. Compared with a rat infestation, mice put your house at greater risk of property damage due to sheer numbers.

House mice prefer to eat grain and plants, so look for rod-shaped droppings both inside and outside your home. They build nests close to food sources, so check the kitchen and the yard first. Mice are curious by nature, so no space is off limits when they venture out at night. Fortunately, this also means they will investigate traps set by rodent control specialists. Since mice can wriggle through openings as small as ¼ inch, the exterminator will seal entry points to prevent future infestations.

Rats Are Cautious & Hard to Trap

Compared to their smaller relatives, rats produce fewer offspring; they will only have about 12 babies over several litters. Young rats don’t reproduce until they are 3 months old, so it takes longer for your property to become infested.

Unlike mice, rats are cautious, which means they will avoid traps in their path. Although rats aren’t picky eaters, they prefer grain and meat and need up to an ounce of fluid daily. To stay hydrated, they gravitate toward broken plumbing fixtures and sewer drains, so look for signs of them there. They can fit through ½-inch holes, so rodent control technicians will seal any entry points after removing the rats.

If you suspect mice or rats have invaded your home, call the professionals at AllPest Pest Control & Wildlife Removal in Lewisburg, OH. A licensed and insured rodent control technician will remove the pests and mitigate further property damage. Their experts also provide termite treatment, bat removal, bed bug inspection, and additional solutions to keep unwanted visitors at bay. To schedule an appointment in the Preble County area, call (937) 884-5646. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and follow them on Facebook for updates.