Mice and rats are two of the most common pests in North America. Not only can they cause a lot of damage to your property but they also pose a serious risk to your health. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about these pests, including how to identify them, their habits, the food they eat, and the harm they can cause. If you think you may have a rodent problem, our team at Sigma Pest Control is here to help!
Identifying Mice and Rats
Besides the fact that rats and mice look different, there are quite a few other differences between the two. Being successful in riding your home of mice and rats only happen when you fully understand each of these pests. This is because what works to control mice, won’t necessarily work to control rats. Understanding their habits, diet, and where they like to hide will help aid in all of your pest control efforts.
The Behavior of Mice and Rats
One of the biggest differences in the behavior of mice and rats is that rats are cautious while mice are curious. Because of this rats are extremely careful, often choosing to avoid new items in their path until they have become accustomed to them being there. Mice on the other hand are the complete opposite and will investigate anything new. These differences in their behavior are important to know when it comes to placing any sort of traps. Because rats are much more cautious, they will be less likely to go near a trap that has an unfamiliar scent, whereas mice on the other hand will investigate anything new no matter what.
Physical Characteristics
Of course, the most evident and even the most important difference between mice and rats is their physical appearance. Rats are typically much larger than mice and they also have a blunt nose as opposed to the pointed nose of mice. Their ears are also much larger, making them easily identifiable. Mice on the other hand are much smaller in size with a pointed nose and small ears. Most people in the U.S. experience one of three different rodents, the roof rat, the house rat, and the Norway rat. And knowing what they look like and the differences between them can help you better identify and prevent mice and rats in your home.
- Roof Rat: This type of rat has a very light and slender body with a pointed snout, large ears, and no hair. They typically have a gray body with some black shading and a dark tail. A great way to tell if you have roof rats in your home is their spindle-like droppings.
- House Mouse: The house mouse is characterized by its small head, small feet, pointed snout, and large ears. They have a light brown body with hints of grey with droppings that are shaped like rods.
- Norway Rat: Norway rats have a thick body with a blunt snout and short ears. They typically have a brown body with black shading and a shaggy coat. You can identify a Norway rat problem by their capsule-shaped droppings.
Habitat and Breeding Habits
The habitat and breeding habits of mice and rats is another way to identify the rodent behind your pest problem.
Roof rats are typically found in higher areas such as trees, attics, and walls. They usually only come down from their high perches to search for food or when they feel threatened. House mice on the other hand live almost anywhere including in basements, garages, sheds, and even inside of your home. Norway rats can be found living in both indoor and outdoor areas, but prefer to live in dark and moist places.
When it comes to rats and breeding, both male and female rats can reproduce at just two months old. Rats will have anywhere from six to eight babies at a time and they are able to have up to three litters per year. This is why it is so important to address any rat problems as soon as you notice them.
Mice, on the other hand, can only have up to six babies at a time and will usually have two to four litters per year. Mice are also very territorial and once they have claimed an area as their own, other mice will not be allowed in. This is why you may see just one mouse even though there may be dozens of them living in your home.
As we’ve mentioned, mice are very curious creatures and will explore any new area they come across. This is why mice can be found anywhere from inside walls to ceilings and even in your pantry or cabinets. Understanding the different habits of mice and rats is the first step in preventing them from invading your home.
What You Should Know About Mice and Rats in Your Home
While there are many differences between mice and rats, one thing that they have in common is that they both can make you extremely sick. Rats are known to spread a number of diseases including the black plague, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. They can also contaminate food with their droppings or urine which can cause nausea, diarrhea, and even death.
Mice may not be as notorious for spreading disease as rats, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make you sick. Mice can also contaminate food as well as spread a number of different viruses, including the Hantavirus. Some other important things you should know about mice and rats are that…
- They multiply FAST
- They can destroy your home
- They will always find a way in
- They will eat anything and everything
Let us Help Prevent Mice and Rats!
Mice and rats are no joke and can cause a lot of destruction and disease in your home. That’s why it’s important to know the different signs of mice and rat infestations as well as what you can do to prevent them. If you’re currently dealing with a pest problem, our team at Sigma Pest can help! Contact our team today for more information!