Rat vs. Mouse — What’s the Difference

Quick Comparison: Rat vs. Mouse

• Rats have 7 to 10 inch bodies, but mice are 2 ¾ to 3 ¾  long. 
• Mice are naturally curious, rats are naturally cautious. 
• Mice breed much faster than rats. 
• Carrying the same four diseases, rats also carry rat bite fever, fleas and mites

The Difference Between Rats and Mice

They look similar, and cause similar damage, but rats are bigger, more cautious and harder to trap. They spread different diseases, have different behaviors and can live in different spaces, depending on the species.

Rat

• Appearance — gray or black, with 7 to 10 inch bodies and scaly tails
• Habitat — Norway rats nest at ground level, roof rats nest in attics, roof spaces, and trees
• Behavior — more cautious than mice, avoiding unfamiliar items until they feel safe
• Risks — damages inventory, gnaw pipes, furniture and wires, causing fires; spread diseases
• Reproduction — varying by species, one female can produce 15 to 96 pups a year

Mouse

• Appearance — grey/ brown, 2 ¾ to 3 ¾ inch body: thin tail of equal length, small feet
• Habitat — nests in warm wall voids, attics, kitchen cabinets, storage rooms, and insulation
• Behavior — naturally curious, quickly investigates new food sources/objects
• Risks — carries diseases, gnaws through plumbing, packaging, wiring which can cause fires
• Reproduction — can produce 28 to 128 mice a year

Signs of an Infestation

You may spot droppings; shredded paper, fabric or insulation; greasy rub marks along baseboards, and gnaw marks on wood, wiring or packaging. You may also smell musky odors, and hear scratching noises inside walls and ceilings.

Prevention Tips

Seal gaps and cracks around your property: our fine mesh, stainless steel Flexi Armour can stop rats and mice from getting in. Reduce food and moisture sources both inside and around the outside of your property.