As we start to see a bigger dip in temperatures, we will start to see small rodents like mice and rats try to make their way into your home since it is much warmer. Unfortunately, your home has water, shelter and food; all of which they need to survive. When it comes to mice and rats, many people don’t know how to exactly tell the difference between the two. Effective Pest Services is here to talk about what sets these two rodents apart from one another, so you know what you’re dealing with if they make their way into your home this winter.

Rats are Bigger than Mice

The biggest difference between mice and rats is their size. Rats are much larger than mice are. Even though rats are larger, they can still fit through a hole that size of a quarter to get into your home. Mice, however, can squeeze their way through a hole the size of a dime. If you notice a rodent in your home that is larger than your average mouse, you are more than likely dealing with a rat.

How Does a Rat Look Different than a Mouse?

There are several things that set mice apart from rats. Knowing the differences can help you get rid of them if they happen to get into your home in search of warmer shelter. Following is what you should be looking for.
– Ears: The ears on mice and rats are different. Mice will have ears that are large for their heads. Many rats have ears that aren’t nearly as big. You will also notice that rats often have dark hair on their ears as well.
– Nose: A rat will have a larger, more prominent nose than a mouse does. Their nose is usually larger and more pointed while a mouse’s nose is still pointed but much smaller in size.
– Droppings: Mice leave behind small little rod-like droppings around your home. If you have a rat problem, the droppings are going to be much larger and look like capsules.
– Tails: A rat’s tail is thick and long. The biggest difference between a rat’s tail and a mouse’s tail is hair. Mice usually have some hair on their tails while a rat will have a hairless tail.
– Nesting: Mice and rats actually nest a little differently as well. Rats will burrow as they build a nest for their young. Mice will build their nests in many different soft places that include boxes, insulation, clothing and furniture.

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As to which is worse, the answer is debatable. Because of their smaller size, mice can access more areas of your home and move through them more easily while rats are more aggressive and pose more of a risk for biting. If you notice that there is any mouse or rat activity in your home, it is important that you work quickly to get rid of them. When you rely on Effective Pest Services to help you get rid of a rodent infestation, you know that we will make sure that your home doesn’t house anymore of these disease ridden animals. Call us today!