Rats Vs Mice - How To Tell The Difference
A rodent infestation of any type is an unpleasant experience. However, knowing your adversary is critical when deciding the right course of action to eradicate the infestation.
Rodent infestations are a global problem, and the two main perpetrating species are often confused. This confusion can make the matter worse, as the behavioural and physical differences between the species mean that treatments that work for one species will often not affect the other.
Knowing the nature of your infestation is the first step in achieving a successful outcome.
The Main Species of Rats and Mice
The main source of infestations can be traced to three species of rats and mice – Brown Rat, Black Rat, and House Mouse. Although, the situation when it comes to the house mouse is complicated by sub-species found around the world.
However, for the purposes of this guide, we will stick to the common classifications as the differences are minor in nature.
It is often referred to as the common or Norway rat. This is the most common type of rat found in Ireland and the UK and is responsible for the large majority of rat infestations. It is also the larger of the two species of rat found in Ireland.
Other names – Norway rat, sewer rat, common rat, garden rat
Gestation period – 21 to 24 days
Lifespan in the wild – Up to 2 years
Size – About 23cm in length (excluding the tail) and weight of about 500 grams
These are found in pockets of the UK, mostly around ports and other waterways. The distribution can be attributed to their swimming prowess, which also enables them to infest properties by gaining entry through sewage pipes and drainage systems. In Ireland, it is highly unlikely to have a black rat problem as their entire population is confined to Lambay Island, which lies close to Dublin.
Other names – Ship rat, roof rat
Gestation period – 23 days
Lifespan in the wild – About 12 months
Size – Up to 26cm, including the tail, and adults can weight from 75 grams to 240 grams
The house mouse is responsible for the majority of mice infestations in Ireland. Although a good deal smaller than rats, a mice infestation can be just as unpleasant and carries the same potential dangers, including disease and property damage.
Other names – Mus musculus
Gestation Period – 20 days
Lifespan in the wild – Less than a year
Size – Up to 10cm to the base of the tail and a weight of about 12 to 45grams
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Telling Rats and Mice Apart Visually
Their shared genetic heritage has given the species some similarities. Common features shared amongst them include long tails, short legs, incisor teeth, whiskers, etc.
However, the differences are pronounced enough that if you happen to get a good sighting, then identification is relatively easy.
Identifying House Mice
The most obvious difference between mice and rats is the relatively diminutive size of mice. One proviso when making a visual identification based purely on size is that a house mouse can easily be misidentified as a young rat or vice-versa.
The following points can help distinguish between a young rat and a mouse:
Colouring
Rats are generally a darker shade than mice which are usually grey or brown with lighter coloured fur on their underbelly.
Ears and tail
An adult mouse will have larger ears and a longer tail in comparison to its body size than a young rat.
Head and feet
A young rat will have a larger head and feet when compared to a house mouse.
Identifying Rats
Once again, size is the most obvious difference. Put simply, if the rodent is larger than 10cm in length, then in all likelihood, it is a rat. The only question left to resolve is the species of rat. In all probability, throughout most of Ireland, if you have a rat problem, it will be the brown rat.
This can be confirmed by the following features:
Brown Rat
- Tail – This is shorter than the overall length of the head and body combined, it also has a paler colour on the underside.
- Body – The brown rat has a thicker body.
- Nose – The brown rat has a rounded, blunt nose.
- Ears – These are quite short and hairy.
Black Rat
- Tail – This is longer than the head and body.
- Body – More slender and smaller than the brown rat.
- Nose – Pointed.
- Ears – Long and thin.
Other ways to differentiate between rats and mice
The very nature of a rodent infestation means that we don’t always have the luxury of a visual sighting to aid identification. However, there are many other ways to determine the culprit species.
However, the differences are pronounced enough that if you happen to get a good sighting, then identification is relatively easy.
Diet
The type of food being contaminated is a big clue as to the type of infestation. It also helps when deciding what tactics and bait to use when laying traps. In this section, we will look at the different diets of the brown rat and house mouse only, as these are by far the most prevalent species in Ireland.
House Mouse Diet and Feeding Habits
- Like rats, mice prefer cereals and are also habitual when it comes to feeding places.
- Mice tend to kibble the grain and remove the outer husk to access the inner endosperm.
- Can survive without water, but will drink small amounts if available.
Brown Rat Diet and Feeding Habits
- Brown rats prefer cereals above most other foods. They often cut the grain as they feed, which can give it a chopped look.
- They are habitual feeders and tend to return to the same feeding places often, which makes the placement of traps easier.
- Unlike mice, they require regular water, up to 60ml per day.
Footprints
Rats
- Rats have a four-toed front and five-toed rear footprint. They are noticeably larger and more pronounced than a mouse footprint and tend to be left in less chaotic trails.
Mice
- These are noticeably smaller than rat footprints and, because of their lighter weight, are also less pronounced. Mice tend to scurry about more than rats, which means trials can look a bit chaotic.
Droppings
Brown Rats
- Brown rat droppings are dark brown. They are usually tapered and have been likened to a jelly-bean, olive, or somewhat like a larger grain of rice.
House Mice
- These are black and substantially smaller than rat droppings, usually around 3 – 8mm. They are granular looking and tend to be scattered randomly, usually close to their nesting area.
If you believe you have a rodent infestation, then it is crucial to identify the species and take action to eradicate the problem as soon as possible.
Rats and mice are both prolific breeders, so time is of the essence. Contact us today for a fast, friendly, professional, and discrete solution to your infestation problem.
Identify your pest
By now, you should have enough information to identify whether your infestation is from rats or other rodents. This is critical when it comes to taking the right course of action.
Call in the pros
Rat infestations can quickly get out of hand. When you consider the risk to health and property, calling in professionals is the simplest and safest way to deal with an infestation.
If you are worried that you may have a rat infestation, call us immediately, our friendly and discrete professionals can easily and efficiently deal with any size of infestation. We have the right tools and expertise to quickly eradicate all rats from your property. We guarantee you will receive a personal service and advice every step of the way.
