Rats and mice are instinctive mammals, making them difficult to control. Mice are smaller (about four inches long) and more slender than rats, and they enter your home looking for water, food and warmth. They nest near food sources and can fit through holes that are only ¼” wide. Mice can quickly contaminate food.

Rats, on the other hand, are heavier and longer (up to eight inches long). Norway rats and roof rats are most commonly associated with humans. Norway rats burrow under structures and roof rats nest in trees and attics. Both transmit many serious diseases including salmonella, trichinosis, typhus, leptospirosis and rat-bite fever.

Mice and rats also cause a lot of physical damage to property when the gain access and build nests.

Visual identification:  Rats are mostly brown and black with large bodies, and mice are light brown or light gray with slender bodies and large ears.

Visual evidence:   Mouse droppings are rod-shaped. Other signs include tracks, smudge marks on walls, pipes or beams, urine, and nests or burrows.

Damage:   Rodents’ gnawing will damage electrical wires and pipes in the walls or underground, and create holes in doors, windowsills, floors, ceilings, toys, clothing, furniture, etc.