If you’ve spotted droppings or heard scratching in the walls, you may wonder what’s invading your home. Many people assume it’s either rats or mice, but not both. However, that’s not always the case. It’s important to understand the behaviour of each species to tackle an infestation properly.
Although both are rodents, rats and mice have very different habits. Typically, they avoid each other. Rats are larger, more aggressive and territorial. In fact, they’ve been known to kill mice if food is scarce. Because of this, the presence of rats often drives mice away.
However, that doesn't mean they can’t both be present. In larger buildings or properties with multiple hiding spots, rats and mice can coexist. They may live in separate areas, such as outbuildings and lofts. While mice prefer warm spaces close to food, rats are more comfortable in drains, cellars or wall cavities.
Still, if you’re seeing signs of both, it's crucial to act fast. Since rats and mice can breed rapidly, the problem will quickly escalate. Moreover, having both pests increases the risk of damage and disease. Rats, in particular, can carry serious pathogens like leptospirosis and salmonella and you will want to eliminate them from your property.
Spotting both species at once is rare, but not impossible. So how can you tell? Firstly, look at the size and shape of the droppings. Mice droppings are small and pointed, while rat droppings are larger and sausage-shaped. Additionally, rats leave greasy marks along walls and gnaw marks on wood or pipes.
If you hear movement at night in different parts of the property, you may have both species nesting separately. Rats and mice tend to forage at night, but their noises differ. Rats are heavier and louder. Mice make softer sounds and are often found in loft insulation or kitchen units.
Sometimes, you might see both on motion-activated cameras or pest monitors. If so, don’t panic… but act quickly. Because rats and mice require different control methods, it’s essential to identify them correctly. Setting traps or bait meant for one may not work on the other.
We always recommend a professional survey. Our team can confirm what you’re dealing with and create a tailored treatment plan. With over 20 years of experience, we understand how to remove rats and mice efficiently. We also offer prevention advice, so they don’t come back. Whether you have rodents in your hotel , warehouse, shop, offices or in a residential property, we are here to help.
If you suspect you’re dealing with rats and mice, get in touch today. We offer fast, discreet service across residential and commercial properties.
Why rats and mice don’t usually mix
Although both are rodents, rats and mice have very different habits. Typically, they avoid each other. Rats are larger, more aggressive and territorial. In fact, they’ve been known to kill mice if food is scarce. Because of this, the presence of rats often drives mice away.
However, that doesn't mean they can’t both be present. In larger buildings or properties with multiple hiding spots, rats and mice can coexist. They may live in separate areas, such as outbuildings and lofts. While mice prefer warm spaces close to food, rats are more comfortable in drains, cellars or wall cavities.
Still, if you’re seeing signs of both, it's crucial to act fast. Since rats and mice can breed rapidly, the problem will quickly escalate. Moreover, having both pests increases the risk of damage and disease. Rats, in particular, can carry serious pathogens like leptospirosis and salmonella and you will want to eliminate them from your property.
Signs you might have rats and mice together
Spotting both species at once is rare, but not impossible. So how can you tell? Firstly, look at the size and shape of the droppings. Mice droppings are small and pointed, while rat droppings are larger and sausage-shaped. Additionally, rats leave greasy marks along walls and gnaw marks on wood or pipes.
If you hear movement at night in different parts of the property, you may have both species nesting separately. Rats and mice tend to forage at night, but their noises differ. Rats are heavier and louder. Mice make softer sounds and are often found in loft insulation or kitchen units.
Sometimes, you might see both on motion-activated cameras or pest monitors. If so, don’t panic… but act quickly. Because rats and mice require different control methods, it’s essential to identify them correctly. Setting traps or bait meant for one may not work on the other.
We always recommend a professional survey. Our team can confirm what you’re dealing with and create a tailored treatment plan. With over 20 years of experience, we understand how to remove rats and mice efficiently. We also offer prevention advice, so they don’t come back. Whether you have rodents in your hotel , warehouse, shop, offices or in a residential property, we are here to help.
If you suspect you’re dealing with rats and mice, get in touch today. We offer fast, discreet service across residential and commercial properties.