Difference Between Rats & Mice Before it Becomes a Bigger Problem

If you have ever been awoken to the sound of tiny feet scurrying around in walls, or even found your cereal strangely and mysteriously chewed open, then you are likely dealing with a rodent problem.

But the key question is: Are you facing rats or mice?
At first glance they may seem similar enough to confuse you, but each will require a different handling style to deal with the problem.

Rats and mice will require different solutions.

At Pestpatrol we have handled every rodent situation imaginable all across London, from busy warehouses in Tottenham, to quaint flats in Notting Hill.

A common question we receive is: ‘Am I dealing with rats or mice?’

This simple guide will help you quickly identify exactly which rodent you are dealing with so you can now deal with them quickly and with certainty.

Why identifying rats versus mice is important!

Both rats and mice can cause serious problems (structural or health) but their behaviour varies significantly:

• Mice are brave, nimble, and quick to search.
• Rats are cautious, cunning, and strong.

Identification will help and shorten what can become a lengthy and costly process. Correct identification will allow you to select the correct methods whether it be bait, traps, or prevention.

Droppings are key.

Dealing with rodent droppings is never a pleasant task, however rodent droppings often tell you the story you need to know:

• Mice droppings are small (3–6mm.), dark, rod-like pellets. They are found scattered in cupboards or next to food.
• Rat droppings, while still unpleasant, are bigger (12–18mm.), more sausage-shaped, and tend to be concealed; maybe in the loft, or behind appliances.

If you are still unable to identify which rodent you are dealing with, why not ask Pestpatrol’s friendly technicians to help you quickly identify the pest in no time!

Listening for Clue- Rodent Sounds

The sounds that mice and rats make differ across the board.

• Mice: Light little squeaks and quick little scampering sounds, mostly done from night.
• Rats: Louder and heavier, gnawing, crunching, and even movement noise resembling furniture being moved.

These sounds are not just annoying, they show that there is an active pest.

Entry Points – Where they got in

Both rodents are able to squeeze through very small areas, but they have different sized needs:

• Mice: Able to squeeze its body through areas as small as 6mm (about the width of a pencil).
• Rats: Require areas 2cm wide (a quarter, about the size of a 50p coin).

You can also find chewed holes in the skirting boards or in vents (which usually can help you know what pest you have).

Gnawing Marks and Property Damage

Gnawing is an ongoing process for both rodents, but the level of damage is different:

• Mice: Small tooth marks on packaging or soft materials.
• Rats: Can chew through wood, wires, and can even chew through concrete (most damage can create electrical fires or plumbing leaks).

If you have gnaw marks, be sure to contact Pestpatrol right away to conduct a full inspection.

Footprints and Grease Trails

Rodents will leave very obvious tracks in a dusty/dilapidated place:

• Mice: Scattered, fragile footprints and thin tail drag marks.
• Rats: Larger footprints and also greasy marks along the wall, since their coats are oily.

Pestpatrol has the technology to use probes to UV track rodents, allowing them to accurately find and begin treatment of their pathways.

Behaviour: Curious mice vs, Cautious rats

• Mice: Mice will quickly discover new traps and bait which makes them significantly easier to catch.
• Rats: Rats are cautious and skeptical (neophobia) and often require a much more cautious baiting process.

If you have traps that are untouched, it is often rats that you are dealing with! Pestpatrol employs expert strategies to outsmart cautious rodents.

Visual Evidence – What do I look for?

If you see a rodent, it is easy to determine what it was:

• Mice: Up to 5-10cm in length, long skinny tails = body length, pointed noses, large ears, and fast.
• Rats: 20 -30cm in length, thick short tails, blunt noses, and small ears relate to size of head.

Nests and smells

Rodents can have different nesting and odour habits.

• Mice: produce small nests and use soft items to build nests starting close to a nearby food source.
• Rats: will nest or burrow in lofts, walls, drains, etc., that have strong musky smells.

A persistent ‘musty smell’ could be an indication of rats at home that are hidden away!

What should you do if you suspect you have a rodent infestation?

You should spring into action calmly as rat and mice populations act quickly to multiply:

• Seal up any entry points completely.
• Store food properly and remove items from space.
• Do not use do-it-yourself poison methods as they may not work and make matters worse.

Importantly, make contact with Pestpatrol.
We provide rapid, discreet and complete rodent control solutions across London.

Why pick Pestpatrol?

Pestpatrol is not just your chance pest control service, we are local to London and we understand the home and business limitations that different areas of London have.

Our technicians are well versed in the knowledge of London properties, whether Victorian or modern flats, which means we can put our experience, efficient approach, and care into practice and provide reliable results every time!

Final Thoughts

It is always better to accurately identify rats or mice very quickly.
From droppings, drawing, smells, and noises will usually give clues to the entry points and actual rodents or signs of their presence.

If there is any doubt, Pestpatrol are always on hand to help!

Do not let rodents takeover your home. Call Pestpatrol today and get your home back!

Need an urgent response?

Book your Pestpatrol inspection online today!
Fast, local, and reliable guaranteed!