How Large is Rat Poop?
WouterWhen you think of poop from rats and mice, the first thing that comes to mind is the size. Rat droppings are larger than mouse droppings and can be up to 3/4 of an inch in length. In comparison, mouse droppings are around the size of a grain of rice. Although the size may be a little different, both types are black and spindle-shaped.
Rat droppings are typically dark-brown in color, with blunt ends. They are approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long and have a pronounced odor. Rat poop is also often covered with scratched and gnawed marks on surfaces. In addition, rat nests usually contain a foul odor. When you’re cleaning up after a rat infestation, it’s important to trap the rodent and seal up all entryways.
While rat droppings are typically a sausage-shaped ball, there are times when they look more like a pill. In these cases, the rat has likely left a smaller creature in the area. If the droppings are consistently smaller than rice, they are more likely to be mouse or cockroach droppings. While rat droppings have similar shape and color to mouse droppings, they do not share the same size.
If you are unsure about the species of rat you’re dealing with, the size of the droppings will help you identify them. For instance, small rats have smaller droppings, as do immature rats. The two most common species in our area are Norway and brown rats, although roof rats can also be found in coastal areas. Generally speaking, the size of a rat’s droppings is an eighth to a quarter-inch in length.
