Is It a Mouse or a Rat? How to Tell (and Why It Matters)

When you hear scratching in the walls or find droppings in the pantry, your first instinct might be to call it a mouse problem—but are you sure it’s not a rat?

While mice and rats may seem similar, they behave very differently, require different treatments, and can cause different kinds of damage. If you’re dealing with a rodent issue in your Minneapolis/St. Paul home, knowing the difference is the first step toward solving it.

Key Differences Between Mice and Rats

🐭 Mice

• Smaller size (2.5–4 inches long, not including the tail)

• Thin tail that’s longer than their body and covered in fine hairs

• Pointed nose and large ears

• Droppings: Small (like grains of rice), pointed ends

• Behavior: Curious, more likely to explore traps

🐀 Rats

• Larger size (7–9 inches long, plus tail)

• Thicker, scaly tail that’s shorter than their body

• Blunt snout and small ears

• Droppings: Large, capsule-shaped

• Behavior: Cautious, more trap-resistant

Why It Matters

• Rats are more destructive—They chew through insulation, wires, and even PVC pipes.

• Health risks vary—Rats carry more aggressive pathogens and are more likely to contaminate food and surfaces.

• Treatment plans differ—Rats need heavier-duty traps and bait stations. Mice may be handled with lower-impact methods.

Signs You Might Be Dealing With Rats (Not Mice)

• Grease marks along walls (from their oily fur)

• Large gnaw marks or chewed holes

• Loud scratching or thumping sounds

• Nesting under decks or in garages

Call in the Experts Before One Turns Into Many

Whether you’ve spotted a single mouse or suspect a rat nest outside, rodents multiply quickly—and they don’t leave on their own. At Be There Pest Control, we identify the exact species and tailor a plan that’s safe, effective, and built for your home.

📞 Call (612) 448-3854 today to request a consultation or initial appointment. Let’s make sure rodents don’t make themselves at home this season.