What is the Difference Between Rats and Mice?

It’s early morning. You hear scurrying noises coming from your kitchen. You walk down the hall, flick on the light, and catch a glimpse of something darting behind the counter. Is it a rat, a mouse, or something else? 

Knowing the difference can help you decide how to handle the situation and safeguard your home. Let’s dive into the differences between rats and mice and how Brooks Pest Solutions can help you maintain peace of mind against all kinds of rodent invaders.

Are Rats and Mice Related?

Although distinct in many ways, rats and mice share a common family heritage. The teeth of rats and mice are made of soft dentin at the back and hard enamel at the front, which creates a self-sharpening edge. As rats and mice gnaw on food or hard materials like wood, the dentin wears down faster than the enamel, keeping their teeth sharp enough to cut through tough surfaces.

While we don’t recommend looking for close encounters with these pests, the orange tint you may notice on their teeth is due to iron deposits in their enamel. The iron adds durability to their constantly growing teeth. Orange-tinted teeth are common in rodents like rats, mice, and even beavers, and they help chew through a variety of materials for food and nesting.

Do Mice and Rats Coexist?

While rats and mice may coexist in similar environments, they don’t often share space. Both species are highly territorial and compete for resources like food, water, and shelter. 

Generally, if one species establishes dominance in an area, it will push the other out. Although it’s not impossible to have dual infestations of rats and mice in a home, it’s much more common for a single species-related issue.

Ways To Differentiate Mice From Rats

While they share similar behaviors and genetics, several key differences set rats and mice apart.

How Big Are Rats Compared to Mice?

The most noticeable distinction between rats and mice is their size. Rats are much larger—Norway rats, which are common in the U.S., reaching up to 16 inches long, including the tail, and weighing around 10-16 ounces. Mice typically measure around 3-4 inches in length and weigh less than an ounce.

These species’ body shapes and colors differ as well. Mice have small heads, large eyes and ears, and thin, pointed snouts that they use to sniff out their next meal. They vary in color from pale yellow to patchy light brown and white or dark brown.

Rats have blunter snouts, thicker bodies, and rough and scaly tails. Norway rats in particular have a brownish-gray color, while roof rats are darker, usually black or dark gray.

Differences in Rodent Behavior

Mice are naturally curious and will quickly investigate new objects in their environment, including traps, making them easier to capture. Rats, however, are far more cautious. They will avoid unfamiliar objects in their surroundings until they feel it’s safe, so catching them requires the timing and strategy of rodent control professionals.

Another behavior that sets rats apart is their habit of digging. While mice are excellent climbers and can easily scale walls and cables, rats will dig burrows, particularly under buildings or along fences, to create nesting areas. The well-defined routes they establish can make rats more challenging to control once they’ve settled in.

What Do Mice and Rats Eat?

Mice and rats aren’t picky eaters, making them adaptable to many environments. While both prefer fresh grains and meats, they’ll consume whatever food sources are available, including garbage, pet food, or even compost. This flexible diet is one of the reasons these rodents are so successful in urban and suburban areas where food sources are abundant.

Effective Rat and Mouse Control Strategies at Home

Preventing entry and limiting resources is the first line of defense in rodent control. Here are some of the most effective strategies use can use for rat control and mouse control at home:

• Seal all entry points. Close any small gaps, cracks, or holes around your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter-inch, and rats only need about a half-inch space to enter.
• Remove food and water sources. Store food in airtight containers, keep garbage cans sealed and keep pet food covered. Even small crumbs or a dripping faucet can attract rodents.
• Clear out nesting materials. Eliminate potential nesting sites by clearing clutter, especially cardboard boxes and piles of paper. Rodents love to use these soft materials to build their nests.

Call Brooks Pest Solutions for Fast, Reliable Rodent Control

Your peace of mind doesn’t have to be compromised by mice and other rodents rustling through your cabinets or creeping through your walls. Let the experts at Brooks Pest Solutions help you shield your home from rodents lurking out of sight and any that may try to come indoors. Our rodent control services are designed to target your rodent issue at its source and prevent future problems.

Even if you only suspect rodents have invaded, we’re happy to provide a same-day inspection if you contact us before noon. If you reach out after noon, you can count on a next-day visit from one of our team members.

Ready to regain your peace of mind with Brooks Pest Solutions? Give us a call or contact us online today.