Rodents are two of the most common pest problems. Rats and mice are alike in the fact that they both have incisors that never stop growing. They also both can carry and spread diseases. However, rats and mice are different in many ways as well. Because they both can be a danger for you and your family, it’s important to learn how to identify rats and mice. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, our team wants to ensure our customers are aware of the pest threats they may face. Knowing the differences between mouse and rat problems can help. Our experts have compiled all the information you need to know—read on to learn more.

7 Facts About Rats

Rats are typically bigger and occasionally more aggressive than mice. Here’s what else you need to know:

Rats have thicker bodies and tails that are shorter than the length of their body.
They possess small hairy ears and larger feet.
They weigh anywhere from 150 to 300 grams.
Rat droppings are banana-shaped and much bigger than mice droppings at 10–20 mm long.
Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
Rats are adventurous, omnivorous eaters who will feed on a variety of grains and meats.
They forage overnight and nest in garages, trees, and basements.

How do Mice Differ From Rats?

Mice are obviously smaller than rats, but they have other differences as well:

The house mouse is usually just 2–4 inches long.
Mice have larger ears and a longer tail compared to its body length.
Mice are often gray or brown in color, with a lighter shade or white color on their bellies.
Mice droppings have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
Most mice feed on fruits, seeds, grains, and occasionally meat.
They produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.
Mice forage at dusk and nest in attics, garages, basements, and more.

Dangers of Rodents

Rats and mice are similar in that they both can pose a threat to the safety of you and your family with their activities. Rodents are infamous for their ability to carry and spread a number of potentially dangerous diseases. They also can trigger allergies in people. A rodent problem can be a mess to clean up due to the amount of droppings and urine left behind. Lastly, they can cause significant damage to your home. Both mice and rats will chew through insulation, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring. Due to this reason alone, always contact your local rodent exterminator for help with rat or mouse problems.

Rats and Mice in Las Vegas

The bottom line is that you don’t want rats or mice infesting your property. They both can be dangerous and destructive. As soon as you spot the signs of an infestation, it’s time to contact the rodent exterminators at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.