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Differentiating Between a Rat and Mouse
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Posted On :
Jun-08-2010
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Article Word Count :
422
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How you can tell the difference between a rat and a mouse.
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How can you tell whether that pesky rodent you have running around is a mouse or a rat? Although the removal methods for both are similar, rats need bigger traps due to their size advantage. Here are ways to differentiate the two pests...
A mouse is going to be the size of a small bird and a rat is a fairly large rodent. In fact, the same traps that are used to catch large groundhogs and skunks are used to catch rats as well. Whereas a rat can weigh around one pound, a mouse will only weigh several ounces. Many people often confuse baby rats for mice.
The teeth of a rat are much larger. This is no surprise as rats are known to eat through metal.
Mice are more furry than rats and a generally more "cute".
Rats have a grey/white color to them whereas mice have a more brownish appearance. Furthermore, the tail of a rat will be dark and scaly whereas the tail of a mouse will be more smooth and light brownish.
Some rats can walk on their hind legs. So, if you see the pest walk upright, you can be sure that it is a rat and not a mouse.
Generally, the head of a rat is bigger. The rat has a bigger, longer face, as well as a wider, more pointy, muzzle.
The heads of mice are triangular.
The feet of mice are smaller and more delicate.
Rats have longer tails than mice.
Rats have much smaller ears, relative to the size of their heads.
The feces of a rat are lumpy where as the feces of a mouse are small, rod shaped, and pointed at each end.
Rats can live for around 2 years where as the life expectancy of mice is around 1-2 years.
Rats have 6 pairs of nipples whereas mice have 5 pairs of nipples.
Whereas a mouse will make a home in a box or a container, a rat is more likely to make a home in burrows or within your walls.
Although you can easily catch both pests, you may have a harder time trapping rats because they are not as care-free as mice are. Rats are much more cautious. If you are in the process of catching rats, once you leave your trap(s), don't move it. Because rats are sensitive to moved objects, you want the environment to remain as stable as possible.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Differentiating Between a Rat and Mouse_21505.aspx
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Author Resource :
Check out Rat Killing or Rat Killer for more tips.
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Keywords :
mice, rats, mice removal, rat removal,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Home Improvement
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