Both mice and rats are terrible pests that should be avoided at all costs. Rodents are destructive and carry dangerous diseases. Using traps against them is effective but only when using the right kind. Mouse and rat traps function the same way, but there are some differences in how mice and rats should be treated when dealing with an infestation. If you suspect the presence of rodents in your home, do not hesitate to give the professionals at Rat Control Guelph a call.
Mice are much smaller than rats. Mice in Canada only grow up to about 20cm in length, half of which being the lengths of their tails. The average mouse weighs a mere 19 grams. Rats, on the other hand, grow up to 40cm and usually weigh 230 grams. That’s over 10 times the weight of a mouse! Rats and mice also differ in behaviour. While mice like to nest above ground, rats burrow in the earth. Mice prefer to eat plants, but rats are scavengers that will eat anything. Rats are also more social than mice and live in large groups. These differences require slightly different approaches in their removal.
The only essential difference between mouse traps and rat traps is size. Rat traps are much larger and much more powerful than mouse traps. A traditional snap trap’s platform, for instance, is much larger for rats than it is for mice. While a mouse trap would hurt you if you got your finger caught in it, a rat trap could actually break your finger. Mouse traps are too small for rats and vice versa; mice are so small that they may not even trigger the springing mechanism in rat traps. Bait stations, like traps, are also much larger for rats. Mice need smaller traps and quantities of poisonous bait to be affected.
Whether you are treating for rats or mice, it’s important that you rodent-proof your home to help stop the infestation and prevent any more from happening. Remove any sources of food that could be competing with the baits you set in your traps. This includes the crumbs on the floor, the food in your pantry, or the dishes left out on the kitchen counter. Keep the house clean and tidy to encourage the rodents to consume bait. You should also reduce the amount of clutter you have in and around the house. Finally, check the perimeter of your home for any entry-points the animals could be using to get inside, and block them off.
Make sure you are treating for the right animal when shopping for pest control products. If you aren’t sure, it’s recommended that you get the help of a pest removal expert. Technicians deal with mice and rats all the time; they can tell the difference and provide you with the best pest removal program. If you’re interested in quality pest removal and rodent-proofing, call Rat Control Guelph. We guarantee to keep those pests out. Call Pest Control Guelph today!
