What Are The Differences Between Mice & Rats? | Orkin

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GET A QUOTEOrkinWhat's the Difference Between Mice and Rats?

Key Points

• Size Matters: Rats are larger and can be up to 11 inches long, while mice are 3-4 inches.

• Dropping Clues: Mouse poop looks like dark grains of rice; rat poop is larger and pill-shaped like olive pits.

• Diet: Mice are picky eaters that love grains. Rats are garbage disposals of the rodent world. They’ll eat meat, trash, you name it.

• Behavior: Mice are curious explorers. Rats are cautious and suffer from "neophobia" (fear of new things), making them harder to trap.

Mice

What do mice look like?

• Size: House mice measure 12 to 20 cm in length, including the tail, and weigh 12 to 30 grams.

• Color: They may be white, brown or grey in color.

• Head: Their snouts are triangular and feature long whiskers.

• Tails: Mice have large, floppy ears and long, thin, hairy tails.

Mouse Droppings

Nobody wants to inspect poop, but it's the most reliable way to ID your pest problem without actually seeing the rodent. Mouse droppings are small (about ¼ inch), pointy on the ends, and shaped like grains of rice. You'll often find these scattered everywhere.

Mouse Behavior & Signs of Infestation

Mice are the bold explorers of the rodent world. They are curious and will investigate new things quickly, which makes them slightly easier to trap.

• Nesting: They build soft nests out of shredded paper or fabric in warm, hidden spots like insulation or behind the fridge.

• Gnaw Marks: Small, scratchy holes (about the size of a dime).

• Sounds: You'll hear scratching and squeaking inside walls.

Rats

What do rats look like?

• Size: Rats are medium-sized to large rodents. However, rats may grow to be as long as 40 cm or more and weigh considerably more than mice.

• Color: Their coats are white, gray, brown or black in color and are often soiled enough to leave grease marks on touched surfaces.

• Head: The snout of the rat is more blunt than that of the mouse.

• Tails: Long tails that are commonly hairless and scaly.

Rat Droppings

Rat droppings are larger than mouse droppings. They’re ½ to ¾ inch, thick, and capsule-shaped with blunt ends. They look like black raisins or olive pits. You'll usually find these in concentrated areas or piles.

Rat Behavior & Signs of Infestation

Rats are smarter and way more suspicious. They have "neophobia," meaning they fear new objects in their environment. If you put down a trap, a rat might avoid it for days until it gets used to it.

• Rub Marks: Rats have greasy fur. As they scurry along baseboards and walls, they leave behind dark, oily smudges called "rub marks."

• Burrows:Norway rats love to dig and will create burrows under building foundations or woodpiles. Roof rats, true to their name, prefer the high ground in attics and rafters.

• Gnaw Marks: Large, rough holes with distinct tooth marks (about the size of a quarter).

Professional Rodent Control

If you’re noticing droppings, hearing scratching in the walls, or just have a bad feeling that you're not alone, it’s time to take action. Call Orkin. An Orkin Pro can identify whether it’s rats or mice, locate entry points, remove the infestation, and seal your home to prevent future issues. Contact Orkin today for effective rodent control solutions.

More Rat Resources

How to Get Rid of Rats

Learn how to get rid of rats and keep them out of your home. Call Orkin today for proven rodent control and protect your home.

Can You Spray for Rats?

Wondering if you can spray for rats? Learn the facts and call Orkin for safe, effective rodent control to protect your home.

Do Rat Pellets and Traps Work?

Rat pellets and traps can help, but proper placement and integrated control are key.

My Carpet Has Been Chewed by Rats

Rats chew carpets to access food or nesting spots, causing costly damage.

Do Ultrasonic Rodent Repellers Really Work?

Ultrasonic devices may repel rodents temporarily, but they’re not a standalone solution. Call Orkin for proven rodent control that lasts.

Does Brodifacoum and Warfrin Rat and Mouse Poison Make Rodents Thirsty?

Brodifacoum and warfarin are anticoagulant rodenticides that disrupt blood clotting.

Resources

Dig Deeper on Mice

What Can Mice Chew Through?

Deer Mouse Droppings & Disease

How to Get Rid of Deer Mice

Where Do Mice Hide in a House?

Does one mouse mean an infestation?

House Mice Identification and Control | Rodent Removal

Does Riddex really work for mice?

How To Get Rid of Mice in Walls | Rodent Control

What Do Deer Mice Look Like?

Does brodifacoum and warfrin rat and mouse poison make rodents thirsty?

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