Mouse or rat? Telling the difference
The treatment plan changes if you have rats rather than mice. Droppings, gap size and where you find activity are more reliable than a fleeting glimpse.
Size and shape
An adult house mouse is about 7–10 cm plus tail. A brown rat is much heavier, with a thicker tail and blunt muzzle.
Droppings
Rice-grain droppings scattered in cupboards usually mean mice. Raisin-sized groups along a wall or in a loft more often mean rats.
Entry gaps
Mice use gaps of about 6 mm. Rats need a little more but will enlarge a hole. Tooth marks on a door base that look heavy are more typical of rats.
If you are unsure
Photograph droppings next to a coin and note the rooms involved. That is enough for a technician to plan the first visit.
If you need a visit, our mice control service or call +44 7776 111596.