Dealing with unwanted house guests? Mice and rats are often attracted to our homes and businesses by the promise of food, water, and a cozy place to live.
If you’re seeing signs of rodents, figuring out whether you’re dealing with mice or rats is the first step toward getting rid of them. The key? Their droppings.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to helping you tell the difference between mice vs rat poop. We’ll also cover important safety precautions and prevention tips to keep these critters away for good.
Physical Characteristics: Rat Poop vs. Mouse Poop
When trying to tell whether you have a rat or mouse problem, one of the biggest clues is the size and shape of the droppings.
Size and Shape
Rat droppings are considerably bigger than mouse droppings. Typically, rat turds measure about a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch long, and they’re generally rounder with blunt ends.
Mouse droppings are much smaller, measuring only about a quarter of an inch long, and they tend to be pointed on the ends.
Color and Texture
If the droppings are fresh, they’ll be dark brown or black. However, over time, rodent poop dries out and becomes lighter in color.
The texture can also provide a clue. If the droppings are soft, you can assume they’re fresh. Older droppings will be hard and dry.
Where will you find rat and mouse droppings?
Where you find droppings can tell you which kind of pest you have.
Rat droppings tend to appear in certain areas:
- boiler rooms
- storage areas
- behind appliances
- along walls
In contrast, mouse droppings are usually scattered randomly.
- inside furniture
- around food
- in pantries and cabinets
- under sinks
Also, the amount of poop you find can indicate how bad the infestation is. Mice poop 40 to 100 times a day, while rats poop 20 to 50 times a day.
Health risks of rodent droppings
It’s never a good idea to handle rodent droppings without protecting yourself. They can transmit a variety of dangerous illnesses.
Some diseases associated with rodent waste include:
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonellosis
- Rat-bite fever
If you have to clean up rodent droppings, always wear gloves and a mask. Don’t touch your face, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Safe removal and cleaning procedures
Whether you’re dealing with mouse poop or rat poop, it’s important to use caution in the cleanup process. Rodent droppings can contain bacteria and viruses that are harmful to humans.
Preparing for cleanup
Before you begin, gather the necessary protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and eye protection.
Cleaning the affected area
Don’t vacuum, sweep, or brush up rodent droppings. These methods can send infectious particles into the air.
Instead, prepare a bleach solution of 1 1/2 cups of bleach per gallon of hot water.
Spray the affected areas with the bleach solution and let it soak for about five minutes.
Then, wearing gloves, wipe up the droppings with damp paper towels and dispose of them in a sealed bag.
Mop or sponge the area again with the bleach solution.
After cleaning, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly.
Prevention: How to keep rodents away
The best way to deal with rodent infestations is to keep them from happening in the first place. Here are some proven strategies:
- Remove food and water. Keep food sealed tightly in containers. Wipe up spills and crumbs right away. Store pet food inside in containers rodents can’t chew through.
- Seal entry points. Check your home’s foundation and exterior for cracks, gaps, and holes. Seal them with caulk or steel wool. Pay special attention to any opening larger than a half inch.
- Keep things tidy. Decluttering reduces the number of hiding places available to rodents. Clean up leaves and other yard waste.
- Trim vegetation. Shrubs and tree branches give rodents a bridge to your home. Keep them trimmed back.
Wrapping Up
Rat droppings are typically larger, darker, and more tapered than mouse droppings, which tend to be smaller, smoother, and more rice-shaped. Knowing the difference can help you determine what kind of pest you’re dealing with.
No matter the source, identifying rodent droppings in your home is a sign that you need to take action. Always handle droppings carefully, and thoroughly disinfect any affected areas. Prevention is key, so seal up entry points, store food properly, and keep your home clean.
For large or ongoing infestations, it’s best to call in a professional pest control service. They have the experience and tools to safely and effectively eliminate the problem.
Taking proactive steps to manage rodents is key to maintaining a healthy and safe home environment for you and your family.