It’s not unusual to find mice making their home in homes and offices in the Raleigh area—especially once the weather turns cool. But it’s also not surprising to see those larger rodents—rats—around too.

Just last year, area news stations covered stories of rats running rampant in a Raleigh state government office building. Nearby construction displaced the rodents and they sought a new home.

Is it a Mouse or a Rat?

You spot a rodent streaking across the floor as you enter the room—but what kind of rodent is it?

Although rats and mice are in the same rodent family, they have different scientific classifications. Rats are bigger than mice—even baby rats are typically bigger than adult mice. Adult rats may be the size of a pigeon, 9-11 inches long and weighing up to one pound. Mice may be the size of a sparrow, 3-4 inches long and weighing a mere 1/2 ounce. A mouse’s head is smaller and more triangular than a rat’s.

Because they are smaller, mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, while rats can go through holes the size of a quarter.

Mouse droppings are smaller–1/8 inches long, while rats have larger droppings at 5/8 inches.

While a rat’s larger size makes it more intimidating, both mice and rats can cause numerous problems in a home or office. Droppings from both rodents can cause illness in people. Fleas from rodents can transmit diseases, including bubonic plague. Mouse and rat bites can lead to infection.

In addition to the physical harm rodents can cause people and pets, their chewing can also cause destruction. Named one of the most destructive and invasive animals in the U.S., the rat will eat any type of food or garbage and food, and will gnaw through concrete, wood and wire.

Once you suspect a rat or other rodent is in your home or office, it’s important to effectively remove the pest and keep it—and others like it—from coming back.

If you have a rat problem, please call us at Critter Control of the Triangle at 1-800-CRITTER or 919-382-0651 in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary NC and the Triangle area.