What is the Difference Between a Rat and a Mouse?

Unless you fully understand the rodents that you’re dealing with, your control measures will not produce your desired results. In other words, what works for rats wouldn’t be as effective with rats.

The Differences between a Rat and a Mouse

Appearance

The house mouse has large ears, small head with a pointed snout. It has some hair which could be light brown with gray shading, a tail that’s dark-colored, and feet that are small. The adult house mouse weighs about 0.5 ounces and its droppings are rod-shaped. 

Meanwhile, the most common rat species are the Norway rat and the roof rat. The Norway rat is heavier and it has a thicker body. Its snout is blunt and it has dark hair, short ears, shaggy coat that’s brown with black shading, and a tail that’s light-colored underneath and dark-colored on top. An adult rat weighs approximately 11 ounces and they have capsule-shaped droppings. On the other hand, the roof rat has a slender gray-colored body and a smoother coat, large ears, no hair, a pointed snout, and a dark-colored tail. Adult roof rats weigh 7 ounces and they have spindle-shaped droppings.

Behavior

Mice are naturally curious. They’re always willing to investigate anything that’s new to them. On the other hand, rats are more cautious. They’re likely to avoid anything new and would take some time to get used to something before they feel comfortable with it.

When mice eat, fight, or try to figure out their location, they stand on their hind legs with their tails supporting their weight. They’re fast runners, excellent swimmers, jumpers, and climbers. Furthermore, they’re active at night, hate bright lights, and will only reveal themselves during the daytime if they need to look for food. On the other hand, rats like to follow regular paths and routines. They don’t wander far from their burrows or nests, and they’re strong swimmers and excellent climbers.

Call an Expert!

If you need rodent control services, hire the experts at O’Hara Pest Control today. Call now to schedule an appointment.