The Difference Between Having A Mice Or Rat Problem

Mice and rats are both rodents you don’t want in your home. Spotting the presence of either will leave you needing professional mice removal in your Milwaukee home. But what if you are suddenly infested with one and you’re not sure which one it is? You need to be able to tell which is which in order to prop erly deal with them. There are several different ways you can tell the difference, so pay attention to the following.

• Differences in behavior
• Physical characteristics
• Mice habitat and breeding
• Mice movement
• Rat movement

[caption id="attachment_15018" align="aligncenter" width="350"] There are many differences between mice and rats.[/caption]

Mouse Behavior Versus Rat Behavior

One of the biggest differences between rats and mice is that mice are curious and rats are cautious.  Rats are a very careful breed that needs to be tricked in order to be caught. Mice, on the other hand, are curious and you’ll often see them in open areas of the home looking for food.

Physical Characteristics

A Roof rat has a light and slender body, pointed snout, large ears and a long tail with no hair. They have a gray body with black shading and a smooth coat. Adults weigh roughly 200 grams. Their droppings are shaped like spindles. Norway rats have a heavy and thick body, blunt snout, and short ears with black hair. They have a brown body with black shading and a shaggy coat. Adults weigh 300 grams. Their droppings are shaped like capsules. The common house mouse has a small head, small feet, pointed snout, and large ears with some hair. They have a light brown body with gray shading and a dark tail. Adults weigh 15 grams. Their droppings are shaped like pellets.

Mice Habitat and Breeding

Mice can feed on almost anything. They will build their nest close to a food source and will use any paper or soft material to build the nest. In one litter a female can birth up to five or six young and those little mice can begin to reproduce in as little as six weeks. Mice usually live nine to twelve months. [caption id="attachment_15019" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Although different, mice and rats are known to get along.[/caption]

Mice Movement

Mice are excellent jumpers, swimmers, and climbers. They are very fast and if they are frightened they will often just run away. They are nocturnal and most active from dusk until dawn. They will only occasionally step out of their nest in daylight (they don’t like bright lights) if their nest is threatened or if they need food. A mouse can escape through a 1/4-inch hole.

Rat Movement

Rats can move through a hole as small as 1/2 -inch in diameter. They are great swimmers, and it’s true that they enter homes through broken drains and toilets from the sewers. They are also great climbers. They are big on routines and will usually stay within 300 feet of their nest.

Need Professional Help with Getting Rid of Rodents? Get in Touch with Skedaddle

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is THE company to turn to whether you’ve got rat or mice infestation on your hands. Thanks to Skedaddle’s three-decades-long experience in dealing with the widest possible array of infestations, the company’s reputation for reliability and success is stellar. As a result, more than 200,000 homeowners serve as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness that are synonymous with Skedaddle. The company prides itself with its humane methods and removal techniques, in addition to using a proven three-step process that removes the critters, sanitize the affected areas and provides future-proofing services as well. Get in touch with Skedaddle today if you’re looking for an expert provider of mice removal services in Milwaukee.