People often use the words rat, mouse, and mice interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Rats and mice are hard to tell apart, both are belong to rodent family. They all can cause extensive damage, bring the disease to your family while they indoors. So what’s the difference with rat and mice? Let’s find out.
Rat vs Mouse: The Basic Difference
The main difference between a rat and a mouse is size. Rats are larger than mice, they are usually measuring 9–11 inches long (not including their tail). The weight can be 2bl, which is much heavier than mice (the weight of a mouse only 0.03bl). Mice are smaller, typically only 2–4 inches long.
Now you can tell rats and mice apart with their size. But the difference isn’t just about size. The discrepancies in rats and mice also have different tails, heads, ears, and behaviors.
- Rats have longer, thicker and hairless tail, mice have thinner and hairy tail.
- The ears of rat is small that mice have floppy ears are large compared to head.
- Rat’s nose is blunter and mice have pointe nose.
- The droppings of rats like capsule-shaped and the mice are much smaller and pointed. They all the same smelly.
What’s the behavior between rats and mice?
Although rats and mice are part of rodent family, but the behavior or infestation are really different with each other.
Rats are very cautious in their life, they will avoid new objects and won’t to explores it. It takes rats long time to investigate new things, which sometimes can make it difficult for trapping. Because they live in fear for whole life.
Mice are more brave than rats, even though they are smaller than rats, but they are bolder. Mice are curious and will explore new things, including traps. They feel freely than rats, which means mice are much more easier to catch than rats.
Rats are nocturnal animals, they like activities at night. They usually nesting underground, which means pipes, walls or sewers, basements, and outdoor garbage areas near your home are the best places for them to live. They often chew through wood, wires, and even plastic.
Mice are twilight animals, they more like activities at dusk and dawn. Activity on the ground and climb the wall is their venue. Prefer indoor environments like walls, cabinets, and attics. Where the place is near warm and heat, where they nesting. Once they get indoors they often leave small gift for you–droppings and gnaw marks, just didn’t leave a “thank you for your hospitality”.
Rats are omnivorous animal, they like meat, leftover, eggs, chesses and the food is full with protein. Mice are like grains, fruits, seeds and plant.
Why Knowing the Difference Matters
If you’re dealing with a rodent problem, it’s crucial to identify which one you’re dealing with.
- Rats require stronger traps and bait stations because of their size and intelligence.
- Mice can be caught with smaller traps placed near walls or entry points.
Knowing whether you have rats or mice helps you choose the right pest control strategy and prevent future infestations.
Tips for Rodent Prevention
- Keep food sealed in airtight containers.
- Close holes or cracks around doors, windows, and pipes.
- Remove clutter and trash that can provide hiding spots.
- Use traps or baits in problem areas early before the infestation grows.
Of course, with Bonewhisper Electric Mouse Traps to against rats and mice, place the Bonewhisper Bait Station near the wall, with their favorite food, it is the best friendly way to our guest.