How Mice and Rats Differ
When it comes to rodents in homes, the most common culprits are: house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats.
Appearance
- House mice are small, just a few inches long, with tails roughly the same length as their bodies. They have large ears, dark eyes, pointy noses, and grayish-brown fur with lighter underbellies.
- Norway rats are heavier and can grow up to nine inches long. They have blunt noses, small ears and eyes, brown fur, and tails shorter than their bodies.
- Roof rats are lean climbers, up to eight inches long, with tails longer than their bodies. They have dark fur, large eyes and ears, and pointed noses.
Behavior
While all rodents are nocturnal and social, their habits vary:
- Mice are curious and more likely to explore your home. They’re excellent climbers and often found in multiple rooms.
- Norway rats prefer basements, crawl spaces, and lower levels. They’re cautious and tend to avoid humans.
- Roof rats stick to upper areas, like attics and trees near homes. They’re agile climbers and prefer high nesting spots.
Other differences:
- Mice are easier to trap because they’re curious around new objects.
- Rats are smarter and more cautious, which makes them trickier to catch.
Why You Don’t Want Rodents in Your Home
Rodents can cause serious problems, even if you only spot one or two:
- Health risks: Salmonella, rat-bite fever, hantavirus, and other diseases.
- Structural damage: Chewed wires, gnawed pipes, ruined insulation, and compromised walls.
- Fire hazards: Exposed electrical wiring from gnawing can spark fires.
- Contamination: Rodent droppings, urine, and gnawed food can spread bacteria.
- Water damage: Rodents can chew holes in pipes and create leaks.
Even a small mouse nest or a few droppings is a warning sign that your home could soon face bigger problems.
How to Prevent Rodents
Preventing an infestation starts with a few simple steps:
- Seal entry points: Close gaps, cracks, and holes with caulk, steel wool, or another sealant.
- Store food securely: Keep human and pet food in hard-sided containers. Even crumbs can attract rodents.
- Reduce clutter: Clear out basements, attics, garages, and storage areas where rodents can hide.
Signs You Have a Rodent Problem
Watch for these common indicators:
- Droppings along baseboards, in kitchens, or storage areas.
- Scratching or squeaking in walls or ceilings.
- Greasy rub marks along walls or baseboards.
- Nesting materials behind appliances or in hidden corners.
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, or wiring.
- A musky odor from urine.
- Seeing mice or rats in your home.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to act. Rodents reproduce quickly, and the damage and health risk can escalate fast.
got bugs? is a locally owned and operated company with decades of experience handling rodent infestations in Alpharetta, Cumming, and throughout the North Atlanta Metro. Our approach includes:
- Roof-to-foundation inspections to locate nests and entry points.
- Custom rodent removal plans tailored to your home.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee if the rodents return, so do we.
Don’t wait for a small mouse problem to become a full-blown infestation. Protect your home and family; contact our trusted pest control team today for expert pest control.
This blog was originally published on January 30, 2023; it has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.
