Can you have mice and rats at the same time? You can, but it is highly unlikely. Rats kill mice, especially if competing for the same food source. If a habitat is large enough and food is plentiful, it is possible to have the two species within one area, but rare.
The Likelihood of Mice and Rats Living Together in a House
Rats and mice give off two distinctive odours. Mice will actively avoid areas where they smell rats because they are lower on the food chain. In a house, space is typically limited, so a dual infestation is unlikely.
If you own a large estate, it is possible that mice may live in one area of the property and rats in another. It is more likely that you have a single rodent species problem.
Still, there is the off-chance that mice might colonize your attic while rats live in your separate garage or backyard shed. While possible, it is also improbable. Mice are relatively docile creatures and prefer to avoid confrontation of any kind.
The Key Differences Between Rats and Mice
While people often confuse the two rodent species, each has apparent characteristics. Mice are smaller than rats, typically about half the size. Also, mice are usually brown with dark tails, tiny feet, and blunt snouts. Rats are darker, with bald tails and narrow noses.
Mice prefer diets of plants and grains, but they will eat garbage and leftover food. Rats are omnivores, meaning they eat anything they find, including meat — mice are meat.
An interesting fact about mice is they can go long periods without water, roughly a month. Still, the critters need water to regulate their body temperature and aid digestion. Rats can only live a few days without water.
A sure sign you have a rodent infestation is the presence of droppings around your house. Mice produce around 70 to 150 droppings per day. Rats do not produce as many droppings, but their pellets are larger and shinier than mice poop.
How To Prevent Either Infestation
The answer to the question, can rats and mice live together, is yes, but it is not likely. Rats and mice are members of the same species but are different animals. That said, preventing infestations from either animal requires the same effort and diligence.
If you want to keep rodents out of your house and off your property, you must take proactive and preventative measures. The best prevention techniques include:
- Cleaning up after meals, including discarding scraps and washing dishes
- Store trash in a sealed trash can outside
- Declutter your house
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors often
- Cut and maintain your lawn, including disposing of yard waste and stacking firewood off the ground
Besides attending to basic maintenance, you can also ensure all screens, doors, and windows have proper seals. Also, look for any random openings or cracks throughout the inside and outside of the property and seal them. Finally, talk to a humane wildlife control professional to learn more about mitigation and prevention strategies.
The Benefit of Hiring a Wildlife Control Professional
Mice and rats do not usually live side-by-side. That said, it is possible to have a rodent infestation with both species. If you believe rats and mice are on your property, contact wildlife removal in Durham. Call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property inspection with a qualified team. The service will send out technicians to assess your house and property; they will look for signs of either rats or mice, possibly both, before offering a solution and an estimate for the project.
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