The Differences Between Mice And Rats
Rats vs Mice
When you hear the word rodents, what comes to mind? Probably mice or rats; but there are approximately 1,500 rodent species in the world including hamsters, guinea pigs, squirrels, and more. So why do mice and rats get top billing? Well, because they are the two "kinds" of rodents most likely to get into our homes. You may have noticed that we didn't say "species" of rodents. That is because the terms rat and mouse are classifications, just like the term rodent. Rat refers to large rodents with long thin tails, and mouse refers to small rodents with long thin tails. Mice and rat species share many similarities besides those tails. Both have whiskers, two large incisors, fur, black eyes, roundish ears, similar feet, similar noses, and many similar behaviors. However, in this article, we're going to focus on the differences. So if you see one of these creatures in your home—or signs that they may be in your home—you'll be able to tell them apart.
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Rodent Droppings of Rats vs. Mice
These two creatures have similar droppings which they leave in areas they forage in, but, as you can probably guess, rat droppings are larger, and tend to have more rounded ends. If the droppings you are finding on pantry shelves and floors are 7mm-19mm, they are most likely rat droppings. If they measure in at 4-7 mm, they are more likely to be mouse poop.
Diet of Rats vs. Mice
Mice and rats are both omnivores, but they tend to dine on different things. Mice prefer grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, but they are known to eat meat, dead bodies of other mice, and even their own tails during times of starvation. Rats eat the same as mice, but being a larger creature, they will gravitate to larger items like stored cheese, meats, and dry pet foods.
