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In DFW homes, rodent infestations are an all-too-common problem—especially as temperatures shift during the year. While both mice and rats can cause similar issues, knowing which critter you’re dealing with is key to effective removal and prevention. Here’s how to tell the difference and when to call us for Dallas Rat Removal.

1. Size and Appearance of Droppings

One of the most obvious clues is the size and shape of the droppings:

  • Mouse droppings are small (about 1/8–1/4 inch), dark, and shaped like tiny grains of rice.
  • Rat droppings, particularly from Norway rats, are larger (up to 3/4 inch), thicker, and have blunt ends. Roof rat droppings are more pointed but still noticeably larger than mouse droppings.

If you find droppings in cabinets, pantries, or along baseboards, note their size and shape to help identify the culprit.

2. Noises and Activity

Rodents are nocturnal, so you’ll usually hear them at night. The type of sound you hear can give you a clue:

  • Mice tend to make lighter scratching sounds and are more likely to be heard in walls, ceilings, or behind appliances.
  • Rats, being heavier, make louder noises—such as thumping or gnawing—and are often heard in attics or crawl spaces.

3. Chewing Damage

Both mice and rats are avid chewers, but the size of the damage often differs:

  • Mice chew small holes in food packaging, cardboard, or insulation (holes are typically about the size of a dime).
  • Rats chew larger openings (nickel-sized or bigger), often damaging wood, wires, and even PVC piping.

If you notice gnaw marks around baseboards or entry points, the size can help determine which rodent you’re dealing with.

4. Nests and Nesting Materials

Rodents nest using shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or other soft materials:

  • Mice tend to build their nests in more hidden, low-traffic areas like inside drawers, behind walls, or under appliances.
  • Rats, depending on the species, may nest in attics (roof rats) or basements and ground-level burrows (Norway rats). Rat nests are typically larger and more heavily trafficked.

5. Tracks and Grease Marks

Rats and mice leave behind different types of trails:

  • Mice leave smaller footprints and shorter tail drag marks.
  • Rats, with larger feet and oily fur, often leave dark grease marks along walls or beams where they regularly travel.

Use a flashlight and sprinkle flour or baby powder near suspected entry points to check for prints.

6. Visual Sightings

Spotting a rodent can instantly reveal what you’re dealing with:

  • Mice are small (2–4 inches long), light brown or gray, with large ears and long tails.
  • Rats are noticeably larger (8–10 inches long, excluding the tail), with thicker bodies and blunt snouts.

Seeing a rodent in the daytime could also mean the infestation is more severe, as both types usually avoid human activity.

Why It Matters

Understanding the difference between a mouse and a rat infestation is important because each species requires different control strategies. Rats are more cautious and often require more aggressive trapping and exclusion tactics, while mice are curious and can be caught with smaller baited traps.

If you’re unsure what type of rodent has invaded your home, or if the infestation is severe, it’s best to consult a professional wildlife control service to ensure safe and effective Dallas Rat Removal.

Final Tip: Don’t wait to act. Rodents can multiply quickly and cause significant damage to wiring, insulation, and food storage areas—along with spreading harmful bacteria. Early identification is key to avoiding long-term issues. Call us for optimal Dallas Rat Removal!

Are you in need of rat removal? Our friendly operators at Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control are available now at (817) 606-7607. Find out more about our wildlife removal in Arlington and Fort Worth, TX.