Friday FAQ: What’s the Difference Between Rats and Mice in Terms of Infestation?

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Friday FAQ: What’s the Difference Between Rats and Mice in Terms of Infestation?

When you hear scurrying noises at night, you may wonder: “Is it a rat or a mouse?” While both rodents are unwelcome visitors, their behaviors, habits, and the way they infest your home differ significantly. Understanding these differences is essential to address the problem effectively.

At Paragon Pest Control, we offer expert rodent exclusion services to keep your home protected, along with free inspections to identify and tackle the problem.


Key Differences Between Rats and Mice

  1. Size and Appearance:

    • Mice: Smaller (2-4 inches long) with a slender body, large ears, and a pointed snout.

    • Rats: Larger (6-9 inches long) with a bulkier body, smaller ears, and a blunt snout.

  2. Behavior and Nesting Habits:

    • Mice: Curious and exploratory, they nest near food sources in walls, attics, or behind appliances.

    • Rats: Cautious and methodical, preferring basements, crawlspaces, or outdoor burrows.

  3. Dietary Preferences:

    • Mice: Grains, seeds, and plant-based materials are their go-to.

    • Rats: Omnivorous, eating almost anything, including meat, garbage, and food scraps.

  4. Signs of Infestation:

    • Mice: Small, rice-sized droppings, gnawed food packaging, and scratching noises.

    • Rats: Larger droppings, gnawed wood or wires, and visible burrows outside.


Why Does It Matter?

Rats and mice require different exclusion techniques. For example, rats are more cautious and harder to trap, while mice are curious and easier to bait. Misidentifying the rodent can lead to ineffective control efforts, allowing the infestation to grow.


How Paragon Pest Control Can Help

Our rodent exclusion services are designed to address infestations and keep your home pest-free:

  • Free Inspections: Identify the rodent species, nesting areas, and entry points.

  • Custom Exclusion Plans: Seal off entry points and use targeted methods to remove rodents.

  • Prevention Strategies: Recommend solutions to keep your home safe long-term.


Winter Special: WINTERCOMBO

Bundle our rodent exclusion services with insulation upgrades and save big this season!

  • $50 off rodent exclusion services

  • $100 off insulation services (removal, replacement, or both) when bundled with rodent exclusion.

Take advantage of this deal and let us help you reclaim your space this winter.


Schedule Your Free Inspection Today

Whether you’re dealing with rats, mice, or signs of a rodent infestation, Paragon Pest Control is here to help. Understanding the difference between these pests is crucial to protecting your home.

📞 Call us at (972) 435-9797 or 🌐 visit paragonpestdfw.com to schedule your free inspection and claim your WINTERCOMBO discount today.