Who is present in the house – mice or rats? - briefly
The dwelling is occupied by «mice». No evidence of «rat» activity has been detected.
Who is present in the house – mice or rats? - in detail
The dwelling can host either small field rodents or larger sewer‑related rodents, each with distinct biological and behavioral traits.
Rodent type identification
- Small gray or brown rodents, typically measuring 6‑10 cm body length, exhibit a high reproductive rate, prefer indoor food sources, and leave fine droppings about 4‑5 mm long.
- Larger rodents, ranging 20‑30 cm in body length, possess a more robust skull, produce coarser droppings up to 12 mm, and are often found near external waste areas.
Habitat preferences
- The former favor concealed spaces such as wall cavities, attics, and pantry shelves, where temperature remains stable.
- The latter gravitate toward basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls with easy access to sewage or drainage systems.
Signs of activity
- Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or packaging indicate presence.
- Presence of nests composed of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation suggests the smaller species.
- Visible tracks in dusty corners, especially a four‑toed imprint, confirm the larger species.
- Odor of urine, stronger in the larger rodent, may be detected near entry points.
Differentiation methods
- Examine droplet size and shape of feces.
- Observe tail length: the smaller species has a proportionally longer, hairless tail; the larger species possesses a shorter, thicker tail with sparse hair.
- Conduct night‑time visual inspection with a red‑light flashlight; the smaller species moves quickly along walls, while the larger species may be seen near water sources.
Control considerations
- Seal all openings larger than 6 mm to prevent entry of the smaller rodents; seal openings larger than 12 mm for the larger rodents.
- Install bait stations with anticoagulant rodenticides, placed in concealed locations to target the specific species.
- Employ snap traps sized appropriately: miniature traps for the smaller species, larger traps for the larger.
- Maintain sanitation: store food in airtight containers, remove standing water, and clear clutter to reduce shelter.
Accurate identification of the rodent type enables targeted remediation, reducing damage and health risks associated with infestation.