Rats and mice are both frustrating pests that can spread diseases, chew through most household materials, and invade any kind of food that they can get their hands on. They also mark their territory and pathways as they travel, and rodent urine and droppings can make us very sick if we touch or consume anything containing their excrement. Neither rodent is a pest that you want in your house, but rats and mice have some key differences that make a slight difference in their professional treatments.

Rats are larger than mice and are usually about 40 centimeters long. They have blunt snouts and scaly tails, and leave grease marks anywhere they walk. Rats produce anywhere from 20 to 50 droppings per day, and these are longer and larger than mice droppings. Although they will be aggressive towards mice if their paths cross, rats are generally more timid about traveling to new areas and will stay close to their nest, provided they have steady food and water sources. They are also stronger than mice, and their teeth can cut through many more durable materials. Rats generally have 6 litters a year, with 5 to 10 pups in each, so a complete rat infestation is imminent if they remain unaddressed.

Conversely, mice are much smaller and more agile than rats. They also have larger ears and long, fuzzy tails. Mice are noticeably smaller than rats, usually measuring up to 20 centimeters in length. They produce 40 to 100 droppings a day, which look like tiny round seeds. Although mice are much more curious and explore all of their surroundings, they are more socially timid than rats are. Mice are also great at climbing and can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, so they can get into the most secluded spaces of a house. Female mice can have up to 10 litters a year with about 5 to 6 babies in each, so mice infestations can be even larger than rat infestations! 

It is helpful to be able to tell your technician which rodent is the culprit behind an infestation before they visit, but if you cannot determine whether you have a rat or mouse issue, don’t worry! Our Pointe technicians are expertly trained in the best treatment methods for each kind, so we are always prepared to solve a rodent problem. Give us a call to learn more about how our O’Fallon rodent services are safe for your family while still being completely effective against repulsive rodents!