How do I know if I have rats or mice?

If you’ve heard scratching noises in your walls or ceiling or discovered small droppings around your pantry or skirting boards, you could be dealing with a rodent infestation. But how do you know whether it’s rats or mice? At Precision Pest Control, we know it’s easy to confuse these two common pests. While rats and mice may seem similar, they differ significantly in size, behaviour, and the risks they pose to your home and family

The easiest way to tell mice and rats apart is by their size. You can also tell whether you’re dealing with a rat or mouse invasion based on the droppings you find.

Mice:

• Mice are generally quite small, measuring just 7–8 cm long with an accompanying 7–8 cm tail.
• Mice droppings are like tiny grains of black or dark rice (sometimes even smaller).
• Often found in kitchens, behind appliances, or in roof voids.

Rats:

• Rats can be much larger, with some rats having bodies that measure up to 28 cm long in addition to a 23 cm long tail. Rats can also weigh 10 times as much as mice (or even more, in some cases). It also depends on the species of rat.
• Rat droppings are much bigger than those of the mouse. Rat faeces are also rounded on the edges, as opposed to mouse droppings (which generally have pointy ends).

In this video, Simon, one of our expert pest technicians, explains the most common signs of a rodent infestation and how to tell the difference between rats and mice based on what you see, hear, and smell around your home.

If you suspect rats or mice in your home, don’t wait—our professional rodent control services are discreet, effective, and designed to protect your family and property.