Mice and rats look quite similar but they are entirely different from each other. Most people are unable to detect whether they have rats or mice infestation which results in selecting the wrong ways to get rid of them. The reason is that both types have different sizes, shapes, and nesting behaviors that require specific treatments or strategies to destroy them safely.
Whether you are experiencing rats or mice infestation, your physical and financial health are both at risk of damage. The reason is that they both carry active pathogens that spread infectious diseases to humans and other living organisms. Therefore immediate measures or hiring professional services for rats or mice control in Langley BC is crucial to get rid of them completely.
Difference Between Rats and Mice
Various pest control companies offering rat and mice control services work across the globe. However, each company has expertise in a specific field or can remove a specific type of pest from your home or office. Therefore, awareness of different types of pests is essential to detect what type of pests are invading your home or what type of pest extermination services you need to look for.
Some major differences between rats and mice are listed here:
Genetic Differences
Genetic material or chromosomes are the key elements to identify the relationship or link of organisms with each other. Each organism comprises a specific number of chromosomes and any change to them can result in complexities or disorders.
One of the biggest differences that distinguish mice from rats is genetic variations. Rats have 21 pairs of chromosomes with 2.6 million base pairs while mice have 20 pairs of chromosomes with 2.7 million base pairs. Therefore, they show various similarities with each other regarding appearance, size, and even behavior.
Body Size
One of the major features that can help you to easily distinguish between rats and mice. Mice are usually small in size and often found in homes. An adult mouse has a maximum 2-3 inch length. Therefore, they are fast and active, which helps them to hide and survive.
Rats are larger and can be easily spotted. An adult rat can have 7-9 inches of body length. However, many rats are hard to identify because they are the same size as mice. They can even bite children and pets.
Colour
Another distinctive feature to identify rats and mice is their color. Usually, mice are light gray or light brown and have a light shade on their stomach. While the rats are found in both dark brown and black colors. Based on this feature you can distinguish between rats and mice at any stage of their life.
Appearance
Mice and rats are different in appearance.
Mice usually have smaller triangular heads with larger eyes and ears. They have skinny, thin, and long tails. Their Muzzle is sharp and pointed. While rats have larger bodies with small, broad heads. Their ears and eyes are usually small. They have thick tails and broad muzzles.
Nesting
Though both rats and mice used to make burrows to store food and reproduce, the length of burrows varies greatly. Mice do not dig deep burrows or they dig only to 2-fr depth. While rats are habitual to making long burrows that can extend to 7 ft or more.
Eating Habit
Both mice and rats also have different eating habits. Mice like to eat cereal. They usually feed in the same location and are easy to catch through traps or bait. Rats also feed on cereals but they like moist goods and leave a chopping appearance. They are habitual to changing feeding locations which makes it hard to place bait traps.
Behavior
Depending on their body size, feed, and nesting behavior, both nice and rats show different behaviors.s Mice are fast-moving residents because of their small size and thin body. Therefore, they can easily reach everywhere and are easy to catch.
Rats are large in size and slow-moving residents. They like to remain hidden, which makes them hard to catch.
Rat and Mice Control Services – Your Ultimate Solution
Though distinguishing between rats and mice is a daunting task, this guide is a perfect to identify whether you have a rat or mouse infestation and immediately approach the right type of pest control services. Make sure to check the credibility, pest-removing methods, and tools when dealing rat or mice control services to avoid frauds or scams and keep your home free from these nasty creatures.
