Have you ever heard the debate that mice and rats are the same, but one lives outside and one lives inside? This couldn’t be more false, as the two species are similar, but they have distinct differences that you need to be aware of. If you call Pest Control Unlimited and you can identify that you have a rat problem instead of a mouse one, we can get the job done that much quicker. Here is how you can tell the difference:

Appearance
Mice

  • Floppy ears, short in length, thin tails, triangular snout with long whiskers.

Rats

  • Blunt nose, large in length, long and scaly tails.

Breeding
Mice

  • In a single year, one female mouse can breed up to 10 litters of 5 to 6 young each.
  • And those litters can then turn around and reproduce in as little as 6 weeks.
  • The quick reproductive cycle is due to the short lifespan of a field mouse (1 year).

Rats

  • A female rat can produce 6 liters of up to 12 young per year. When these rats reach 3 months old, they can start to breed themselves.
  • Rats are known to breed in the spring.
  • Rats can live up to six months longer than mice.

Movement
Mice

  • Mice can stand up on their hind legs with the support of their tails. They do this to eat, fight and learn their surroundings.
  • Mice are exceptional swimmers, jumpers and climbers.
  • Mice can slip through holes that are only ¼ inch in diameter.

Rats

  • Rats can slip through holes that are about ½ inch in diameter– slightly bigger than a mouse.
  • They are not quite as agile as mice, but they can also swim and jump to find food.
  • Rats like to follow a similar path each and every day.

Fun Facts
Mice

  • Mice are actually afraid of rats!
  • Mice can not see colors but they have a heightened sense of smell, sound and touch.
  • Contrary to popular belief, mice can definitely be found outside.

Rats

  • Rats gnaw more than mice do and bite marks are often a sign of their presence.
  • Rats tend to leave behind grease or oil in their tracks.
  • The Norway Rat and the Roof Rat are the most common rat species and they often invade the same buildings or homes.

If you have a problem with rats or mice in your home or business, there is only one thing left to do. You have to call the pest control professionals at Pest Control Unlimited and let us best the pests!

To schedule an appointment, call 888-649-9919 or click around on our website.