Differences Between Mice and Rats and Pest Control Solutions for Both

A Mouse Peaking His Head Out of A Hole in a Wall

Mice and rats may look alike, but they are actually distinct types of rodents that have genetic, growth, and anatomical differences. Homeowners and business owners certainly don’t want either type of rodent in their spaces, which is why mice control New Jersey is so important to local families and companies.

Here we take a closer look at the differences between mice and rats and effective pest management strategies for each type of rodent.

All About Mice

Mice are generally smaller than rats, about 12-20 centimeters in length and weighing between 10 and 30 grams. Mice can be gray, brown, or white in color, and they have long whiskers. Mice can survive in many different climates and are further identified by their large ears and skinny tails. They often live in nests and on the ground, but they’re good climbers so they can easily scale the walls of your home.

All About Rats

Rats are larger than mice and typically have hairless tails, which is contrast to a mouse’s furry tail. They are longer and weigh more than mice, but both types of rodents are similar in color. Rats can weight ten times as much as mice! Some types of rats live on the ground and burrows, but many others live around buildings, under roofs, and in wooded areas.

Pest Control for Mice and Rats

Mice and rats aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious health risks and contaminate up to 10 times as much food as they’re able to eat! Getting mice and rats out of your home can be a huge challenge, which is why full-service exterminators are recommended for mouse control.

Experienced exterminators can tell the difference between mice infestations and rat infestations based on the rodent size, where they nest, how much they reproduce, and the destruction they cause. Both types gnaw holes through walls, but rats are stronger so they can actually chew through aluminum, glass, metal, and cinder blocks too.

Mice and rats are exterminated in similar ways, and both mice and rats are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active at night. If you notice droppings or signs of gnawing, tracks, or burrows, it’s a smart idea to call an exterminator right away before the rodents have the opportunity to breed and produce more offspring.

Mice Control New Jersey

For all your mice control New Jersey needs, keep Precise Pest Control’s phone number (866-971-2847) handy. We have over 25 years of experience keeping mice out of homes, and we offer a warranty! To start, we’ll come to your home or business and perform a free, complete evaluation of all your access points.

Then we’ll remove all of the mice from your space and help you prevent future invasions with animal control devices, seals, and traps. As preventative measures, we recommend keeping all food sources and garbage cans tightly sealed and cleaning up crumbs and food waste promptly after meals. We also suggest recycling unused cardboard materials because rodents tend to use them to build nests.