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How to Tell Mice and Rats Apart

House Mouse vs. Rat Identification

House Mouse vs. Rat Identification

Mice

  • Size: House mice measure 12 to 20 cm in length, including the tail, and weigh 12 to 30 grams.

  • Color: They may be white, brown or grey in color.

  • Head: Their snouts are triangular and feature long whiskers.

  • Tails: Mice have large, floppy ears and long, thin, hairy tails.

These rodents can be found throughout the world in a variety of climates and environments. They can live up to six years in captivity though most naturally live less than a year. Mice are nocturnal, timid, social and territorial in nature. Read all about mice.

Illustration of House Mouse

Illustration of House Mouse

Rats

  • Size: Rats are medium-sized to large rodents. However, rats may grow to be as long as 40 cm or more and weigh considerably more than mice.

  • Color: Their coats are white, gray, brown or black in color and are often soiled enough to leave grease marks on touched surfaces.

  • Head: The snout of the rat is more blunt than that of the mouse.

  • Tails: Long tails that are commonly hairless and scaly.

Like mice, these rodents are also found throughout the world, in varying environments. They are also nocturnal in nature. Read all about rats.

Roof Rat Illustration

Roof Rat Illustration

Resources

Dig Deeper on Mice

What can we do about the mice above the ceiling?

Q

Our basement is finished with JYP rock tiles on the ceiling, and we can hear at times (especially at night) mice scurrying above. What can we do?

Is it a mouse or a rat?

Q

I can't tell if I have large mice or adolescent rats.

What should we do about mice in crawl space and attic?

Q

What should we do besides put traps out?

Is it a mole or a mouse?

Q

No websites give any information on getting rid of one in the house. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mice in the oven

Q

How do you make sure there is no infestation, or that they have been removed? Is it safe to use the oven?

Mouse droppings in the house

Q

We cleaned out the closet by the kitchen where we have seen the old droppings and have not seen any more. Are they gone?

What attracts mice in your house?

Q

What attracts mice in your house?

How to Use Mouse Bait Stations

How to Find a Dead Mouse in the House

Field Mice

Field mouse illustration

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