Are Rats and Mouse the Same?
WouterMany people may wonder: are rats and mice the same, or are they different? The answer to this question depends on how you define the terms. There are differences between the two species, but both belong to the same order, the Muroidea. Rats and mice are closely related. They are similar in size and appearance, but differ in genetic makeup and behavior.
Both species are small rodents that share similar characteristics. While the mice are smaller, the rat is slightly bigger. Rats weigh approximately 300 grams, while mice weigh only 50 grams. But the size difference isn’t enough to make them the same. Rather, the two species are very different in behavior, and identifying the differences between them is essential for ensuring you know what you’re dealing with.
While house mice and rats prefer cereal, black rats prefer fruits and food that contains high moisture content. They’re more difficult to control, requiring numerous baiting points. Although they’re more difficult to catch than mice, they tend to adapt more easily to new surroundings, food, and routines. As a result, they can easily overpopulate and create havoc in a home. If you’re worried about a rodent infestation, try to find out what you can do to eliminate the problem.
Identifying the species of rodents is important when deciding on an appropriate treatment plan. Since rodents breed so easily, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent an overpopulation. A single breeding pair can produce dozens of babies in a matter of months. The more mice and rats you have, the harder it will be to rid your home of them for good.
