Mice and rats are common problems for many homeowners around San Jose. Both of these types of pests are able to do a significant amount of property damage, and they also pose health concerns. While they are different species, they are similar in appearance and they wreak similar havoc on homes.
Because of their similarities, they can sometimes be hard to tell apart, but they do have some key differences in behavior. Mice infestations are likely to be larger in number, but since rats are bigger in size they can do more damage. Overall, it’s helpful to know what each species looks like and how to tell them apart.
- Mice: They are smaller than rats. However, people sometimes mistake baby rats for mice. One major difference is that mice have more pointed noses and larger ears in proportion to their bodies. They also have longer, thinner tails. Most mice are a grey-brown color.
- Rats: Rats can be grey or dark brown depending on the species. Overall, they have shorter, thicker tails than mice (in proportion to their bodies) and their ears are smaller in proportion. They also have bigger heads and look less dainty.
Keep in mind that you’ll likely never have an infestation of both mice and rats at the same time. So, if you see one species, you won’t have to worry about the other.
Why Are Rodents Considered Dangerous?
It can be easy to underestimate the dangers associated with mice and rats since many people find them adorable or even keep them as pests. However, wild rodent species are dangerous and can carry many diseases. On top of the many health risks, they are also able to damage property as they chew through things like electrical wires and drywall. There are many ways that rodents can create health problems for humans. Here are the main risks that they pose:
- They are known to carry about 35 different diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus.
- Their fur and droppings can cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some people.
- As their feces build up in walls, they can cause respiratory issues.
- Some rodents carry parasites.
- They may bite if picked up or threatened.
Can You Get Rid Of Rodent Infestations On Your Own?
Since mice and rats are harmful, you’re likely wondering if you can remove them easily on your own. However, rodents are generally quite hard to eliminate and also difficult to prevent. Here are the reasons why they are notoriously frustrating to prevent and get rid of:
- They are extremely prolific and reproduce quickly. While mice tend to reproduce faster than rats, both can grow their numbers in a short period of time. One female mouse can have about 150 pups each year.
- They are hard to keep out because of their ability to get through small holes and crevices. For example, a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime while a rat can fit through a crack the size of a quarter.
- They are hard to remove because many DIY methods don’t work fully. Rodent traps usually only get rid of a few individuals, but they don’t remove the entire infestation. Plus, many baits can be dangerous for children and pets.
The Best Solution For Rodent Problems
Instead of dealing with mice and rat infestations on your own, contact the pest control experts at Bay Pest. Since rodents are hard to prevent and very difficult to remove completely, trust that our experienced technicians have the skills necessary to keep rodents out of your home for good. Trying to handle mice and rats on your own will likely waste your time and money, so let us handle this problem for you. To find out more, or to request a free estimate, give us a call today.