Rats vs. Mice: Do You Know The Difference?

Nobody relishes the idea of a rodent problem in their home, whether it's rats or mice! However, when it comes to pest control in Knoxville, the type of rodent you are dealing with may need a different approach to extermination, so it is important that you know the difference between rats and mice. Both are destructive pests, but there are significant biological and behavioral features that set them apart. Let's look at the similarities and differences between the two types of rodents and how they might impact how pest control in Knoxville handles them.

How Are Rats & Mice Similar?

Let's start by taking a look at the things rats and mice have in common. Firstly, both rodents have very poor vision and are completely colorblind. They both have teeth that grow continuously, meaning they are prone to gnawing on objects to help file down their teeth. Mice and rats will both forage for their food, and while they prefer seeds and cereals, they will eat just about anything they can find. Lastly, rats and mice both play a significant role in spreading a number of diseases, making prompt pest control in Knoxville essential when you see rodent activity in your home or business.

Let's Talk About Differences

Now that you know the traits that mice and rats share, let's explore how the two types of rodents differ. The most obvious difference is in their size, with rats being longer and heavier than mice. Rats average 15 to 18 inches in length and weigh approximately 19 ounces. In comparison, mice are 1 to 7 inches long and weigh only an ounce on average. Other ways in which their appearance differs include their ears and tails. Rats have small, flat ears and pink, hairless tails, while mice have larger, floppy ears and hair on their tails.

Aside from the visual differences, there are also some behavioral differences that can impact how pest control in Knoxville will approach getting rid of them. Rats are more social and will usually nest together. They prefer underground burrows, so expect to find them in lower levels of your property, such as the basement or crawlspace. This is where pest control in Knoxville should focus their attention if you are dealing with a rat infestation. Mice, on the other hand, are quite antisocial and are more likely to nest alone. They also prefer higher levels and will probably be found in attics and wall voids.

Types of Rats & Mice in East Tennessee

Tennessee is home to several species of rats and mice, including both native and invasive species. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus) – The brown rat, sewer rat, or wharf rat is the most common rat in urban and suburban areas. It is large, with a heavy body, a blunt nose, and a tail shorter than its body length.
2. Roof Rat (Rattus rattus) – Also called the black rat or ship rat, this species is more common in coastal and southern regions. It has a slimmer body, a pointed nose, and a tail longer than its body.
3. House Mouse (Mus musculus) – A small, gray-brown rodent with a long tail, the house mouse is commonly found indoors.
4. White-footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) – A native species with white underparts and feet found in forests and rural areas.
5. Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) – Similar to the white-footed mouse, but found in a broader range of habitats, including grasslands and woodlands.
6. Eastern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis) – A small, native species found in grassy fields and meadows.
7. Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius) – A species with long hind legs adapted for jumping, found in grassy and wetland areas.
8. Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) – Similar to the meadow jumping mouse but more common in forested regions.

Many of these rodents are important parts of Tennessee's ecosystem, but some, like the Norway rat and house mouse, are considered pests due to their tendency to invade homes and spread disease. It is important to contact pest control in Knoxville if you have these rodents in your home or place of business.

Understanding the differences between rats and mice is crucial when dealing with a rodent infestation in your home or business. While they share some similarities, their distinct behaviors, habitats, and physical traits mean that pest control in Knoxville may need to take different approaches to effectively eliminate them. Whether you're facing an issue with Norway rats in your basement or house mice in your attic, early intervention is key to preventing property damage and health risks. If you suspect rodent activity, don't hesitate to contact professional pest control in Knoxville to address the problem before it worsens.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.