The most common rodent problems come from three species – Norway rat (brown rat), roof rat (black rat), and the house mouse. While rodent control is similar for rats vs. mice, there are some finer points. Depending on the specific type of rodent infestation will determine some aspects of an integrated pest management solution.
House Mouse vs Roof Rat vs Norway Rat
| Identifier | Norway Rat | Roof Rat | House Mouse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour | Brownish red | Dark grey/black | Greyish brown/black |
| Weight | 10 – 17 oz. | 8 oz. | ¾ oz. |
| Length (incl. tail) | 12 – 18 inches | 13 – 17 inches | 6 – 7 inches |
| Physical Features | Broad, blunt nose Small eyes and ears Thick, heavy body Coarse fur Hairless tail shorter than the body | Narrow, pointed nose Large eyes and ears Smaller and sleeker than Norway Rat Dark coloured tail longer than the body | Large ears Small, slender body Fine fur Nearly hairless tail as long as the body |
| No. of Litters | Avg. 4 – 7 per year | Avg. 4 – 6 per year | Avg. 8 per year |
| No. of Young | 6 – 12 per litter | 6 – 8 per litter | 5 – 7 per litter |
| Diet | Meats, fish, grains, almost anything | Fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains | Grains, cereals, meats, fish, etc. |
| Nests | Burrows or crawlspaces 100-150 ft. from food and water | Trees, ceilings, or attics 100-150 ft. from food and water | Corners 10-30 ft. from food and water |
Pictures of Norway Rat vs. Roof Rat vs. House Mouse
Where Do These Rodents Hide in Your House?
These rodents are nocturnal and tend to avoid people. Norway rats naturally burrow so they stay around the lower levels of homes, while roof rats prefer higher elevations as their name implies. Mice build their nests close to food sources.
The most common places to find rats or mice:
- Attics
- Crawlspaces
- Basements
- Inside walls
- Under appliances
- Garages
Professional Rodent Control
Critter Control Canada specializes in rodent removal and control. Rodent removal begins with a thorough inspection to determine how severe the problem is. The more established rodents are, the more involved the removal process will be. After inspecting, our wildlife specialist will build a custom solution to trap, remove, and seal all entry points.
Home Inspection for Rats and Mice
During a rodent inspection, our inspector will thoroughly inspect your attic as well as provide a full exterior home inspection. The most common signs of rodent activity are chewing, droppings, rub marks, nesting material, and small entry points.
The most common areas to find a rodent infestation are in your attic, in the crawlspace, and inside the walls. You’re likely to find evidence of rats and mice in your kitchen as they scavenge for food.
Pest Control for Rodents from Critter Control
Based on the inspection, our wildlife specialist creates a strategic trapping plan to remove the rodents found in your home. Types of traps, placement of traps, and bait used in traps determine the effectiveness of rodent trapping.
Our wildlife specialist will ensure to use of the most efficient and safe removal process for your home. Though the standard trapping/removal duration is normally between 5 to 14 days, the trapping process may be longer if the rodents are well-established.
