Discover How To Spot The Differences Between Rat And Mice Droppings
How do I know if it's rat or mouse poop? How can I distinguish between rat poop vs. mouse poop? What should I do if you think there may be an infestation of rats or mice in my home or office? Below, we will answer all of these rodent questions and more!
How to Identify Mice And Rat Poop
Mice and rats are often considered pests, but they can also pose a severe health risk. Their droppings can contain harmful bacteria that can cause respiratory illness, fever, and even death. As a result, it is essential to be able to identify mice and rat poop to avoid contact with it.
The hantavirus, for example, is a severe respiratory illness. Rodents can spread it through contact with their droppings. Symptoms of the hantavirus include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and vomiting. If you think you've been exposed to the hantavirus, seek medical attention immediately.
Mouse poop is noticeably smaller than rat poop. Rat droppings are usually larger than a grain of rice.
Rat droppings are usually larger than mouse droppings and may have a more jagged appearance. Depending on the type of the rat (roof rats or Norway rats), they can be 1/2 to 3/4 inches long.
Mouse droppings, on the other hand, are always smoother and smaller than rat poop. Mice droppings can be roughly the size of a grain of rice or smaller. A single mouse can poop between 50 and 75 pellets a day!
If you see either of these types of droppings in your home or office, it is essential to clean them up immediately and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
If you spot any droppings that you suspect may be from a mouse or rat, it is important to avoid touching them directly if possible. Instead, takes steps to cover your face and wear disposable gloves.
A Note On Cockroach Droppings
While cockroach poop can be similar in size to mouse poop, it usually has a more cylindrical shape. Suppose you are unsure whether the droppings you have found are from a mouse or cockroach. In that case, you may notice that cockroach droppings have distinct ridges along the edges and are more slender.
American cockroach droppings are blunt on the end instead of the tapered shape of mouse poop.
How to Inspect For Signs Of a Rat Or Mouse Infestation
In order to prevent an infestation of mice or rats, it is crucial to be on the lookout for signs of their presence. Some of the most common signs include:
- Gnaw marks: Mice and rats have sharp incisors that they use to gnaw on wood, plastic, and even metal. If you see any gnaw marks around your home or office, it may be a sign that you have a rodent infestation.
- Droppings: As we mentioned before, droppings are one of the surest signs that there are rodents in your vicinity. Rodents are in search of a food source, and you may find fresh droppings nearby.
- Footprints: You may also be able to spot footprints around areas where rodents have been active. These footprints will usually be small and close together.
- Nests: Mice and rats will often build nests out of materials like paper, fabric, and insulation. If you see a nest in your home or office, it is a good indication of rodents. Once a rodent finds food that is reliable, it may look to nest nearby.
- Sounds: Mice and rats are nocturnal creatures, so you may hear them scurrying around crawl spaces at night. If you hear strange, scurrying noises coming from your walls or ceiling, it could be a sign that rodents are present.
It’s crucial to properly dispose of droppings and sanitize the area. Always use gloves.
What To Do If You Spot Mouse Or Rat Droppings
If you locate mouse or rat droppings in your home or office, you'll need to understand the safe handling of rodent droppings and proper sanitization methods.
- Avoid touching the droppings with your bare hands. If you must touch them, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- Use a broom and dustpan to sweep up the droppings. Be sure to dispose of the rodent droppings in a plastic bag carefully.
- Thoroughly clean the area where you found the droppings with a disinfectant solution. A good formula is 1 gallon of water with 1½ cups of household bleach added.
- If you have any pets, keep them away from the area until it has been cleaned and sanitized.
Get Rid Of Mice And Rats With Do-It-Yourself Pest Control
At Do-It-Yourself Pest control, we have all the supplies and know-how you need to get rid of mice and rats. We carry various mouse and rat traps, baits, and rodenticides to help you quickly and effectively eliminate your problem. Shop our rodent products here, or contact our friendly pest control team if you need any help!
