How To Tell If It's Mice Or Rats Invading Your Home
There's nothing more frustrating than discovering that your home has been invaded by rodents. Not only are they unsightly, but they also pose a health hazard to you and your family. However, before you can eradicate the problem, you need to determine whether you're dealing with mice or rats. In this post, we'll show you how to tell the difference and give you some tips on how to get rid of them.
Size Matters
The first thing to consider when identifying your unwelcome guests is their size. Mice are much smaller than rats, and rats can be almost double the size of mice. You can also tell them apart by their tails; rats have long, hairless tails, while mice tend to have shorter, furry tails. It's important to note that while mice are generally less aggressive than rats, they can still cause significant damage to your home.
Droppings and Tracks
Another way to identify whether you're dealing with mice or rats is by their droppings and tracks. Mice droppings are much smaller and more numerous than rat droppings, and they tend to be scattered around different areas. Rat droppings, on the other hand, are larger and less frequent, and you're likely to find them in one place. You can also look for tracks; rat tracks are bigger and more visible than mice tracks, and they tend to be less neat and more erratic.
Nests
Mice and rats both like to build their nests close to a food source, so if you suspect that you have a rodent problem, take a close look around your home. Mice will often build their nests out of soft materials such as shredded paper, while rats prefer to use tougher materials such as twigs and sticks. Mice nests are usually smaller and neater than rat nests, which can be much larger and more sprawling.
Sounds
Both mice and rats are nocturnal, so you're unlikely to see them during the day. Instead, you're more likely to hear them. Mice tend to make high-pitched squeaking noises, while rats make louder, deeper sounds.
How to Get Rid of Them
Once you've determined whether you're dealing with mice or rats, it's time to take action. The best way to get rid of them is by using traps, which can be found at most hardware stores. You can also use rodenticides, but be warned that they can be dangerous to pets and children. Alternatively, you can hire a professional pest control company to take care of the problem for you.
Contact a residential pest control company to learn more.
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