Both mice and rats are rodents, that’s for sure. But they do have some notable differences. One of those differences is the appearance of their feces. Being able to identify which poop belongs to which pest can help you troubleshoot your situation and properly notify your pest control technician in Nashville TN.

Upon first glance, you may notice these differences:

• Mouse poop
: Mouse droppings are smooth and small -- smaller than that of rats, measuring about 1/4″. Also, the ends of the poop are pointed rather than rounded. They tend to leave lots of droppings behind, so they shouldn’t be too hard to spot, unless they are inside your walls.
• Rat poop
: These droppings are larger than the droppings of mice, measuring between ½” and ¾”. Their droppings feature blunt ends instead of pointed ends. Norway rat droppings are brown in color while roof rat poop is a darker brown, almost black.

Often times, their droppings bring a distinct musty smell to your home. If you have been smelling a musty odor that won’t go away even when you open windows or run the fans, you could have a rodent infestation.

Be on the lookout for multiple, distinct piles or tracts of “dirt” throughout your house, especially along your walls. This dirt could be rodent droppings.

Mice and Rats: Other Differences

Aside from the appearance of their droppings, mice and rats have other differences to take note of.

Mice

• House mice are small and only about a few inches long. Their coloring is light brown and black, and they have big ears and skinny hairless tails.
• They prefer to nest in warm areas, such as in wall insulation, usually within 30 feet of their food source.
• These small, fast rodents are scared of humans and will avoid them at all costs. Their gestation length is just 19 to 21 days.

Rats

• Rats are bigger than mice. Norway rats are the most common type of rat to make themselves at home in your residence. They measure one foot long and have gray, brown, or black fur.
• They like to nest in the lower parts of buildings, usually within 100 feet of their food source.
• Rats are more confident than mice and will steer clear of traps. Because of this bravery, they’re not even afraid of pets.
• Rats live in packs, but sometimes you will find one rogue rat that doesn’t have a mate.
• They leave greasy trails wherever they scurry, as well as an unpleasant, musty odor.

Rodent & Mice Exterminator Nashville, TN

The bottom line is, rodents carry disease and can make your family sick – not to mention cause untold amounts of damage to your home. Don’t let them live with you. Call for pest control in Spring Hill at the first sign of one of these critters. Please contact us today at 615-502-2855.