Rats and mice, these two little critters may seem similar at first glance, but trust us, they couldn't be more different. It can be difficult to determine which pest problem you have when you only catch a quick glance at the scurrying creatures or only see evidence left behind in your home or business.
First off, let's talk about size. Rats are the bigger of the two, with adult males weighing in at around 500 grams. On the other hand, mice are tiny little things, with adult males coming in at around 25 grams. So, if you're dealing with something the size of a small cat, it's probably a rat. If it's more the size of a big mouse, it's probably a mouse.
Next, let's talk about the shape of their tails. Rats have thick, scaly tails, while mice have thin, hairless tails. So, if you see a tail that looks like it belongs to a dragon, it's probably a rat. If it seems more like a worm, it's probably a mouse.
Now, let's talk about their diet. Rats are omnivores, meaning they'll eat pretty much anything. They'll chow down on fruits and vegetables, as well as other animals and even garbage. Mice, on the other hand, are primarily seed-eaters, so if you're finding evidence of chewed-up cereal or birdseed, it's probably a mouse problem.
Finally, let's talk about behavior. Rats are known for being bold and aggressive, while mice are known for being timid and skittish. So, if you see a critter that's not afraid to come right up to you, it's probably a rat. If it's more likely to run and hide at the first sign of danger, it's probably a mouse.
So, there you have it! Now that you know the differences between rats vs mice, you'll be able to tell which little critter is causing you trouble. But, let's be honest, you don't want either of them hanging around. That's where we come in!
At AJ Pest Control, we will take care of these problems for you, so you can go back to your normal life of not having to deal with giant dragon tails and rodent-chewed cereal. So, don't hesitate to contact us at the first sign of a rat or mouse problem. Trust us; you won't regret it.
