Category: Mouse & Rat Guides

Despite the fact that almost all people think that mice and rats have only one noticeable difference — their appearance, the size in particular — there are a lot of other very important distinctions. Why do you need to know the differences between these two rodents?

The answer is simple — both rats and mice are one of the most common rodents in modern houses. Moreover, they are known for their quick ability to adapt to the human environment. Hence, by understanding the difference between these pests, you can implement more effective rodent control effects.

Rat Versus Mouse: a Full Guide

Imagine the situation that you are cooking in the kitchen, listening to music, being completely relaxed and immersed in your thoughts. And suddenly, a rodent runs across the floor. Can you distinguish a mouse from a rat in this state and select the right anti rodents remedy?

In fact, for the vast majority of people, it is very easy to determine whether it is a rat or a mouse if they have a sufficient amount of time. But what should you do in such a situation? Below, I have collected the most noticeable differences between these two rodents, so you can quickly distinguish a rat from a mouse.

What Is the Difference Between Mice and Rats?

After reading this section, you will be able to distinguish a mature rat from a mouse. Moreover, you will also determine whether you have seen a baby rat or mouse.

Mouse vs Rat Droppings

One of the easiest ways to determine whether you have a rodent infestation at home is by droppings. You need to understand that there are a lot of different types of mice and rats, and not all of them can live in your house.

For example, there are more than 70 various species of mice and rats that live in North America, but only three of them can break into your house: roof rat, Norway rat, and a common house mouse. If you identify the rodent type correctly, then you can kill them very fast and take action to reduce the risk of infection in the future.

The droppings can say a lot about the type of rodents you have. They vary by size and shape. It is a frequent mistake when people confuse rat droppings with that of a mouse, and mice with roach. In short:

• The droppings of a roof rat have the shape of spindles and dark brown color;
• You can be sure that you have a Norway rat if you found the droppings that look like the capsules (they are long and thin);
• Finally, the rod shape of the droppings are evidence of the mice infestation. This rodent has the smallest droppings as compared to the species described above. The average length is about 3-8mm.

Rat vs Mouse Size

Even if you have never faced the rodent infestation at home, you most probably heard that mice are much smaller than rats. For example, the common mature home mouse has an average length of two to four inches. At the same time, the mature rat is about seven to nine inches. The difference is more than twice!

But how to distinguish a baby rat from a mouse? It may be tricky to do since the sizes of an adult mouse and a baby rat can be the same. In such a situation, I recommend you to compare these two rodents in terms of other characteristics.

For example, it can be a body length, a tail, a color, and so on. Another recommendation is to take some time and examine various images after you will finish this article. It is essential to find the photos taken in real life. Maybe, at first, it will be difficult for you to distinguish a mature mouse from a baby rat, but do not give up! A little time and practice, and you will succeed.

Mouse Tail vs Rat Tail

As I have mentioned above, the rats are much bigger in size. In centimeters, a common house mouse measures from twelve to twenty centimeters and weighs from twelve to thirty grams. These dimensions include a tail. At the same time, the average length of a mature rat is about forty centimeters.

Consequently, the mice’s tails are much shorter than those of rats. Moreover, they are thinner and have some hair while rats’ tails are commonly scaly and hairless.

Mice Body Length vs Rat Body Lengths

Now, let’s observe rodents’ bodies. As I have mentioned above, there are three main rodent types that can penetrate your house: Norway rat, roof rat, and a house mouse. It is very easy to distinguish them considering the body only. First of all, a rat compared to mouse is significantly bigger.

Below, I point out the more detailed characteristics that will help you to differentiate a rat vs mice:

• Roof rats: they have a fairly light and slender body, which allows these rodents to penetrate even the narrowest gaps. Their fur color is gray, but with a touch of black. The coat is very smooth, and the tail is dark;
• House mouse: its body size will be correspondingly two times smaller than that of a rat. A mouse features a tiny head and a rather pointed muzzle. Moreover, its body color is likewise different: it is light brown with a gray tint and a dark tail;
• Norway rat: it has the heaviest and thickest body among all the rodents on the list, as well as a blunt muzzle. Its body color is brown, with a black tint (sometimes it is difficult to distinguish this dark brown shade from black one, especially in the dark). The tails of Norway rats are dark above and pale on the tips.

Mice Ears vs Rat Ears

When it comes to ears, rats have bigger ears than mice, though not in respect to their body size. I mean, if you see a rodent with quite noticeable ears, then, most probably, it is a house mouse. Here is a more detail overview of the home rodent ears:

• Roof rat: large and hairless ears;
• Norway rat: small and short ears with dark hair;
• House mouse: short and rounded ears with some bunches of light brown hair.

Mice Behavior vs Rat Behavior

The last thing I want to tell you about rats and mice is their behavior. From my experience with these pests, it turned out that it is easy to determine whether you are dealing with a rat or a mouse by the way they behave. Also, the places where you noticed these rodents do matter. I used to think that rats are cautious rodents, while mice are curious ones (that is why you can notice a mouse in the kitchen in the afternoon more often than a rat).

Rats are very careful pests. They do not like new things and try to avoid them. Commonly, rats are making a path that they are often using to get food. Therefore, the traps are not always an effective way to fight against rats. For them, it is a new thing on the path that rats are trying to avoid.

On the other hand, mice are more curious and like to investigate something new. Consequently, traps are an effective way to kill them. You should find the path a mouse uses to get food and place the trap there. If you did not catch the animal in the first several days, then it is the wrong place, and you should move it.

Related Post: Best Mouse Traps Reviewed.

Identify Whether You Have Rats or Mice in House

So, now you know some physical characteristics that distinguish rats from mice. Briefly, there are three types of rodents you can meet in your home: Norway rat, roof rat, and mouse rat. In short, they vary by body size, ears shape, tail length, and even the droppings they leave.

To summarize, here is a detailed overview for your convenience. I hope that you will find this summary useful and will learn how to distinguish a rat from a mouse based on the following features.

• Norway rats: they are cautious animals; therefore, traps are not an effective way to get rid of them. Norway rats have a thick, heavy body with dark brown hair. The tail is black on top but it is pale in the end. The ears are quite big in size. The mature Norway rat weighs about 300 grams and produces long and thin droppings that look like capsules;
• Roof rat weighs less than a Norway species — about 200 grams. It has a slender dark gray body with a long dark tail. The ears of roof rat are large and hairless;
• House mouse is a small rodent, only several centimeters in length. It is a very curious animal with a light brown body and dark tail. It has very small droppings that are easy to confuse with the roaches ones.

Common Mouse & Rat Treatments

There are a lot of treatments that can help you to keep mice and rats under control. To make you familiarized with this variety, I want to describe them briefly. There are treatments that are harmless to your family members (including children) and pets.

Among them are non-toxic traps and some poisons. Remember, that in case you have a rat infestation, you should not use the traps, they are effective only against mice. The poison can be in a liquid or in solid state.

In addition, you can buy sprays. Based on my tests with these products, I do not recommend you to use sprays. The reason is they are effective only if you spray this remedy directly on a rodent, otherwise, it is not efficient. Finally, although there are a lot of different remedies that you can use at home, before purchasing them I highly recommend you to evaluate the level of infestation.

If you have a lot of rodents, then the wise decision will be to call the rodent control management company.

FAQ Section

Here, I collected the most frequently asked questions from different forums and rodents control sites. As you know a lot about the rodents by this point, my answers will be short yet precise.

Can You Have Mice and Rats at the Same Time?

Yes, I know the cases when there are mice and rats the same time and in one building. Norway rats usually live on the lower floors, while roof rats dwell on the upper floors. House mice can live wherever.

How Big Do Mice Get?

As I have already described above, mice are much smaller than rats. Usually, a mature mouse measures from twelve to twenty centimeters, and it is with a tail! The weight of the animal is from twelve to thirty grams.

Who Causes More Damage Mouse or Rat?

It is hard to answer this question in several words. First of all, both rats and mice spread diseases and infections. Secondly, they can be a cause of great damage to your house as well as eat the food, both of humans and pets. Therefore, if you notice any of these rodents at home, you should call rodent control companies or purchase a poison immediately.

Can Rodents Cause Health Problems?

Yes! All rodents can pose a serious risk to your health as they spread various diseases that can be transferred to people. Among them are Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Leptospirosis, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis, and so on.

Rats and Mice: Summarizing the Differences

I hope that after reading this guide, you formed a solid understanding of the main differences between rats and mice. We have discussed a lot of distincts:

• The behavior;
• The body size;
• The tails and ears look;
• The shape of droppings, etc.

So, when you see a rodent another time, you will not ask yourself: “Is it a rat or a mouse?” I just want you to remember that rodent infestation is a serious problem; therefore, you need to react immediately. Did you face rats or mice at home? How did you get rid of them? Share your experience in the comment box below.

References:

• Reducing the risk of human infection from pet rodents (Health Protection Agency):
  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/321715/Reducing_the_risk_of_infection_from_pet_rodents.pdf
• About Rats and Mice (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/about-rats-and-mice

Hi! Today, I want to discuss mice, how to identify them, and, most importantly, how to get rid of mice in attic. During my professional life, I met a lot of people with terrible attics: there were so many mice, so they were forced to spend several thousand dollars to keep mice out of attic. Mice is a really serious problem.

For example, do you know that one female mouse can reproduce from five to twelve babies every three-four weeks? In addition, they carry bacterias, eat food, and damage your building structures. Hence, if you are seeking the best way to get rid of mice in the attic or just want to prevent their appearance, this article is for you. Keep reading!

1. Identify Mice and the Entry Points.
2. Seal the Entry Points to Get Rid of Mice.
3. Trim Trees and Bushes to Keep Mice Out of Attic.
4. Install Mice Traps in the Attic and the House Interior.
5. Check the Traps Daily for Removing Mice from Attic.

Removing Mice From Attic: Guide

In this section, I provide you with the guide on how to get mice out of the attic, but before I want to discuss how they actually gain the entrance to your attic, and why the attics are always considered as the most vulnerable place for rodent infestation.

Mice lead an active lifestyle, which is why they learned not only to live in drain pipes and refit from one branch to another but also to adapt to various conditions. Therefore, they can easily climb to the roof and penetrate there within seconds. There are some of the reasons why mice prefer to live in the attic:

• Food: rodents used to live near the food sources, and the roof is the most obvious place where you keep flour, fruits, vegetables, cereals;
• Temperature: mice prefer cold weather and hate warm days. As such, as the summer comes, the risk of rodent infestation significantly rises;
• Many places to hide: mice like to find the small dark places where they can hide. If you have plenty of boxes and shelves, then, you’ve made your attic the ideal place for mice living;
• No humans and pets: as it used to be, the roof is not a place where you or your pets want to be. It is not a secret that mice like places with no people and pets.

The last reason why the attic is the most vulnerable place for the rodent infestation in the house is full insulation for mice in the attic. They will quickly find the possible ways to get out of there if something happens and make the tunnels.

No one can interfere with them, as well as find these tunnels. Now, you know why you need to pay special attention to the attic, it is time to find out what to do if you find mice in the roof. Follow this step by step guide!

Step 1: Identify Mice and the Entry Points

The first step is to identify whether you have mice in the attic. The first and the most obvious way to do it is to climb the roof and stand for a couple of minutes without moving and making no sounds. But that may not help. Did you hear the expression: “Be quiet as a mouse”? They came up with this for a good reason.

The mice are really very quiet rodents. First of all, this is due to their tiny size. And the second reason is that they like isolation. Therefore, as soon as they hear some extraneous sounds, they literally freeze and try not to make any noise. Below, I left the list of other possible ways to make sure that you have mice in attic:

• Droppings: all rodents have different droppings in size and shape, therefore, it is very easy to identify the type of rodent using only droppings. In the case of mice, you should look a trail of black pellets, as the rice grains;
• Find the urine areas;
• Look for the mice nests. Commonly, they used to create the nests from the fibrous material. For example, shredded paper;
• Find the mice burrows (one-inch holes in diameter);
• Mouse tunnels;
• Different chewed items.

In addition to finding the signs of mice in attic, you also need to identify their entry points. It is important to prevent future mice penetrations. What you should look for are the various gaps and holes. I recommend you to check the following places at first:

• Air-conditioner connections;
• The areas near water pipes;
• Doors and windows;
• Foundations gaps.

Step 2: Seal the Entry Points to Get Rid of Mice

Before we start to use various attic mice control remedies, it is important to seal the entry points you’ve just found. Many people used to skip this step, but, believe me, it is a really important action. First of all, it may help to prevent mice’s appearance in the future. Secondly, other rodents can’t break into your house while you get rid of mice. Thirdly, it prevents from appearing, as I called, the “false sense of victory.”

Let me explain what I mean. It is a common situation when people think that they are getting mice out of attic when they just go through these holes outside and leave one gift for you — their little children. People mistakenly think that all mice are killed and stop to apply rodent control remedies. The truth is that mice have just left your house, but their children continue to secretly develop.

So, what you need to do after you discover all the possible entry points is to seal all these openings and gaps. For small holes, I recommend you to use steel and caulk wool scouring pads. In the case of large openings, you should apply sheet metal, concrete mortar, or heavy-gauge hardware.

Make sure that there are no gaps between doors/windows and the walls. If you notice some tiny holes, you can use water-resistant strips. I strongly do not recommend you to close these gaps by “chewing materials”, like wood or plastic. Mice can chew them within minutes.

Step 3: Trim Trees and Bushes to Keep Mice Out of Attic

As I mentioned above, mice can adapt to live in different conditions very fast. One such example is their ability to climb the limbs. So, even if you close all the gaps between your house and outdoors, make sure that all windows and doors fit tightly, there are still a lot of chances, mice can penetrate in the attic.

One of them is by climbing trees and brushes. Therefore, it is important to trim all of them to cut the way for mice to get to the roof.

One tip, even if you do not have the trees that fit snugly against the walls of your home, anyway, I highly recommend trimming them. Mice are the well-known athletics of the animal world that can jump up about a foot in height. In addition, such precautions will help prevent the appearance of many bugs that can crawl through the branches right into your home.

Step 4: Install Mice Traps in the Attic and the House Interior

So, when you identify mice in attic, their entry points, close all the openings, and trim the trees, it is time to start catching mice in attic. Now, I will tell you about various types of mice traps you can safely use in your house. Although there are dozens of such traps, I only dwell on the most spread ones: snap, glue boards, electric, and live.

Snap traps are the most popular way to catch mice. Firstly, it is relatively cheap; the trap is easy to buy at any pet store. Secondly, it is completely safe for people and pets; snap traps do not contain any toxic substances. Thirdly, it is made of wood, a material that attracts mice.

However, despite all the advantages, the trap has many disadvantages. Among them is the fact that the trap has to be installed with your hands.

Be careful as it can damage your fingers. Also, for the trap to work, it is necessary that the mouse pulls the trigger. Keep in mind that the trap does not isolate the mouse in any way; the only way to remove it is to use your hands. By the way, do not forget that rodents are good carriers of various infections that are transmitted to humans, including hantavirus, so do not forget to use gloves.

Glue boards are plastic rectangles with glue on the surface. Every time a mouse hits it, it sticks and cannot break out. I have to say right away, if you disdain mice, then skip this variant of traps. It is likely that the mouse will still be alive, but with a large number of bone fractures, so the most gracious option would be to kill it immediately.

Related Post: Most Effective Mouse Traps Reviewed.

Electric traps are the newest and the most innovative way to kill the rodents. It uses electricity to, firstly, shock the mice, and then instantly kill them. In my opinion, if you decided to kill mice, it is the most humane way to do it, as death comes immediately.

The last trap example is live traps. They are used when people do not want to kill the mouse. There are many types of humane mice traps that can even catch up to 12 mice in time! The principle of action is very similar to snap traps: you just need to place bait to the trap, and when a mouse enters the box and presses the trigger, the doors will be closed automatically.

Step 5: Check the Traps Daily for Removing Mice from Attic

Despite the trap you set, it’s very important to take the habit of checking them daily. Firstly, this way you can kill more mice in a shorter period. Secondly, after their death, mice emit a very unpleasant odor, which can fill your entire house and make it uninhabitable for a while.

The last recommendation about the traps is that you need to place them in several different locations. Use the mice signs you found during step one as the prompt. If there are a lot of places, then you can write the trap locations down not to miss one such place during the daily checking.

FAQ

I hope that the information above can help you get rid of mice in attic. Now, I want to summarize the points I have described in the previous section by providing quick answers to the most popular questions.

What Are Signs of Mice in Attic?

The first and the most obvious sign can be the noise of the mouse in attic scratching. Besides this, there are a lot of other signs identifying mice presence in the roof:

• Droppings and urine areas;
• Mice nests;
• Rodents tunnels;
• Leftover chewed items;
• Mouse burrows, etc.

How to Install Traps in the Attic for Mice Removal?

All mice see very poorly, and their main reference point in space is their whiskers. That is why they often adhere to walls or some other massive objects, and they try not to move far from them. My recommendation is to place traps there.

Related Post: Best Mouse Poisons Reviewed.

How to Get Rid of Mice in Attic With Blown Insulation?

For this, follow the steps described in the previous section. Try not to skip any step. Also, place a very tasty bait to the trap to pull them out of isolation. If my recommendations did not help you, then you should call the rodent control management company.

Mice in Attic What Do They Eat?

Mice eat whatever they find and can chew: paper, insulation, electrical wiring, clothes. But the most favorite food for them is high-protein substances.

How to Humanely Get Rid Of Mice In Attic?

The most humane way to get rid of mice and not to kill them is by using live traps. They look like steel boxes that just close the door when the rodent enters it and do no harm to the animal.

How to Get Rid of Rodents in Attic: Share Your Recommendations

Mice can become a real problem for you; that is why it is important to identify and prevent rodent infestations. As we figured out, there are many reasons why the attic can be the best place for their living. To get rid of mice in the attic, you should follow the next steps:

• Identify the mice;
• Identify the entry points;
• Seal all openings;
• Trim the trees;
• Put the traps;
• Check them every day.

Have you ever faced the problem of mice in your house? If so, did you manage to get rid of them? Share your experience and recommendations in the comments section below!

References:

• Rodents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
  https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/index.html
• Identify and Prevent Rodent Infestations (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/identify-and-prevent-rodent-infestations

Mice and rats are obnoxious pests that can get into even the tiniest spaces. Of course, no one would like to meet these rodents at home. Fortunately (and unfortunately), they tend to stay away from people. Therefore, we might notice an unpleasant smell of decay that seems to come from nowhere when, in fact, it comes from a decomposing rodent. It’s not easy to locate the stinky carcass: mice and rats die far from our reach, too.

By profession, I’ve dealt with mice and rats quite often. House owners ask me all the time: how to find a dead mouse and get rid of the rotting odor? To answer these questions, I have written a guideline. Keep reading to learn more about pest control!

1. Find the source of the odor.
2. In the first place, do not forget about preventing rats and mice. Otherwise, there is a chance that you’ll run into this situation again.
3. Use odor removal bags, air purifiers, scented candles, coffee beans, and ozone generating machines to control odor.

How Do I Know if There’s a Dead Rat?

If you think that a pest could have found its end on your site, it means that you’ve noticed a suspicious odor that has never been present before. Inexperienced homeowners might confuse the dead rat smell in a wall with something else. But if you’ve come across a decaying rodent at least once, every time you notice the odor, you’ll know what’s the drill.

Describing a Dead Mouse Smell

In walls, under a table, in piping or ventilating systems, it doesn’t matter where a critter got stuck: soon enough, you’ll become aware of it. The main sign is, of course, the decomposing odor that includes sulfur dioxide, methane, and gases generated in the deteriorating tissues.

❗ PERSONAL OPINION: The best description that I can think of is that the rotting critter smells musty. It’s a nasty bouquet of decaying flesh and gas generated by the intestinal microbes. It could also remind you of spoiled vegetables you’ve forgotten about a very long time ago.

Other Signs

Are you unsure whether rodents have infested your home and possibly went off inside? Check if there are any:

• rat or mouse feces in the closet, on the shelves; they also love hiding in attics and basements!
• torn paper bits and nests in darker, secluded places.

When a house is indeed infested, your pets (if any) might act weirdly. For example, dogs tend to wake you up at night and bark at nothing. It might be because they’ve heard a nocturnal critter getting out for food.

Dead Rat Smell in House: Where to Look

Alright, you’ve identified the odor: it seems that a poor rodent has passed away somewhere around. But what if you detected a dead rat smell in vents or somewhere else?

First of all, check all the hiding places that nocturnal rodents typically find attractive. For instance, rats and mice like to get inside of our cupboards, under the upholstery of the furniture, in cars, garages, etc.

❗ IMPORTANT: If you came across a little corpse somewhere in the open, consider yourself lucky. In other cases, critters get trapped in walls, under carpeted floors, in the ceilings.

To detect the rotting pest, pay your attention to:

• Where the stink comes from. A simple sniff-test might save you a lot of time and effort. If it gets stronger, it means you’re coming closer to the source.
• Flies, bugs, maggots, etc. These insects are typically attracted to the decaying flesh. If there’s any place where they hang around, it might be a good hint.
• Wet stains from bodily fluids. Until a carcass dries out completely, it oozes liquids that might stain your walls or ceilings.

Hidden Dangers of a Dead Rat Odor

Remember a simple thing: the stinking isn’t going to harm you. Although the decomposing flesh exudes ammonia and further toxic substances, an itty-bitty mouse or even a slightly bigger rat won’t poison anybody. Unless you get your face ridiculously close to a dead critter, the odor isn’t going to pose any danger.

The True Harm from Dead Critters

There are further factors of body decomposition that are much more harmful to people: viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. Therefore, it’s strictly forbidden to touch the dead with your bare hands or work without protective clothes and a respiratory mask. If you act too carelessly, various pathogens might get you infected.

Another nasty thing is fleas. They are carriers of many diseases. After their main food source went off, they will seek a new one, and they will be hungry. Although people are not their favorites, by the time the insect leaves you alone, you will already be bitten, and the infection will begin spreading over your body.

Take Care & Stay Aware

If you’ve got plans on dealing with the obnoxious smell, the best thing you can do is to scare the pests off your site completely. Prevent mice and rats using professional service: fortunately, a group of experienced specialists will treat your premises. With the long-lasting effects of such treatment, you won’t see any pests for long.

If you intend to eliminate mice and rats yourself, remember that they follow the traces of urine left by other rodents. Where you’ve previously removed the dead carcass from, another one might appear. To prevent it from happening, close the gaps in the walls. The rodents can get through the dime-sized holes, so it might be quite a workload.

❗ HAZARD: When looking for indoor pest control tools, do not choose poison: it would only aggravate the situation.

The rodents will eat toxic pellets, hide in inaccessible places around your house, and pass away outside of your reach. Instead, opt for humane traps. By cleaning them regularly, you’ll take care of the stink.

How to Get Rid of Dead Rat Smell

It is not always possible to apply preventive measures. If the odor has already appeared, it needs to be addressed right here, right now. I would like to share with you how to eliminate the dead rat smell.

Finding the Source

How long will a dead rat smell? It depends on various factors: humidity level, temperature around the house, etc. Therefore, fourteen days while the rodent decays and dries out can stretch to a month, or even longer, if you’ve come across a particularly well-fed rat. In short, detecting and eliminating a dead rodent carcass is your safest bet.

Let’s see what you should do once you’ve identified the source of the odor.

1. Wear tight gloves, protection clothes, and an anti-dust great-filtration respirator. There shouldn’t be any direct contact with the critter.
2. Spray it with some bleach solution, sanitizer, or other substances to kill bacteria. Leave the rodent for 15-20 minutes to properly soak in the mix.
3. Carefully take the rodent and throw it in a sack. Tie the bag extra tight and dispose of it.
4. Start processing the place where the rodent was located. Use quality chemical cleaning solutions. If a poor thing has met its end on a soft material (such as upholstery or a car seat), you can spray it with vinegar.

However, it’s not always possible to identify the source of your problem. You can only do something about the nasty rotting. For that reason, I would like to cover how to get rid of dead rat smell naturally.

Organic Methods

In a fight against odor, there are a plethora of natural chemical-free methods as well. Here is the list of some efficient ways to deal with the smell.

• Odor-removing bags. With their organic mineral filling, such as sodium aluminosilicate, they eliminate the stink. Hang such a bag in a room, and in a day or two, the stinking will be gone.
• Air purifying gadgets will help you forget there was ever a problem while also emitting a pleasant natural fragrance.
• Scented candles. Although they aren’t helping with purifying the air, they just make the situation more bearable.
• Coffee beans. It won’t be particularly effective as it masks the stink instead of the complete elimination, but you can hold out for two weeks, changing between coffee and scented candles.
• Ozone generation machine. If you have one at home, it will remove any odors by ozonizing the air.

Related Post: 7 Best Mouse Repellers Reviewed

Now, all that’s left to do is hold out for several weeks. I think combining these methods will make dealing with smells much easier.

❗ CAREFUL: In the first place, do not forget about preventing rats and mice. Otherwise, there is a chance that you’ll run into this situation again.

FAQ: What You Should Do if You Smell a Rat

Although I’ve used all my experience and expertise to provide the necessary standpoints, I wouldn’t dare to call this article exhaustive. Certainly, uncovered points could remain. So I’ve compiled a short Q&A to provide you answers on the most burning questions: for example, how long does it take for dead rat smell to go away.

What Does a Dead Mouse Smell Like?

Let me say, the odor is disgusting. If you’ve felt it once, then you won’t confuse it with anything else. A mouse or rat that died recently emits a strong rotting odor, slightly reminiscent of methane and spoiled cabbage.

There’s a Dead Mouse in Wall. How Long Does It Take to Start Smelling?

If you think you’ve identified a dead rat smell in the wall, it means that the animal is dead for at least 3 days. Nevertheless, in a colder climate, it might be delayed: the heat speeds up the decaying processes, whereas cold slows them down.

How Long Does a Dead Mouse Smell?

Fortunately, the dead rodent smell does not last long: the critter isn’t big in size, so in two weeks, it will dry out and stop emitting the nauseating bouquet. But be careful: if a pest stuck somewhere wet, for example, near the piping, it’s going to stink much stronger: moist isn’t your ally as it boosts the decaying process.

Is the Smell Harmful to People?

Even if you breathe it all day long, you won’t get intoxicated, I promise. At best, it would only make you nauseatic. A dead mouse itself is very toxic, but the carcass is far enough from you and won’t cause any damage (until you touch it with bare hands, of course).

How to Get Dead Mouse Smell out of Car?

You should always remember that mice and rats spread diseases, so it’s necessary to approach them in full clothes protection supplemented with gloves and a respiratory mask. The guide for cleaning your car is as follows:

1. Apply the bleach solution directly and let the corpse soak in it for 15 minutes to kill any infection.
2. Stick it in a sack; close tightly to seal the odor.
3. The place where you’ve discovered a source needs to be treated with cleaning products, later proceeding to the car interior.

Choose high-performance items. Also, consider using professional cleaning services.

Highlights: How to Eliminate Dead Rat Smell

Indeed, it’s necessary to fight not with the consequences, but with the cause. To achieve the long-lasting effect, the elimination of unpleasant odors should always begin with preventive measures. Until you scare the rodents off your site, even solving the original problem doesn’t guarantee it won’t be back.

How can you secure your actions? With professional help, including not only my article but the advice of the local pest control agencies as well, you’ll forget about the dead mouse odor. On the other hand, this problem is widespread enough to find all the necessary information and expertise online. With due diligence, you’ll be able to cope with the issue on your own.

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When working with rodents, do not forget about protection. I am positive that as soon as you figure out the obnoxious rodents, you’ll become a true expert in pest control.

Now, I need your advice: what should I write about next time? Are there any pests that your household suffers from? Leave your suggestions down below! I appreciate your reading. Good luck and don’t lose this fight!

References:

• Do’s and Don’ts of Pest Control (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/dos-and-donts-pest-control

Rats and mice have been at the root of some of the worst plagues in human history. They infiltrate urban and rural areas with equal ferocity. Once a mouse infestation takes place, it may be quite difficult to stop it. Because mice and rats reproduce at an alarming rate, any efforts to curb an outbreak of rat or mouse carried diseases are usually futile.

As an exterminator, it is my job to understand how rats and mice cause and transfer diseases. In this article, I will elaborate on the dangers and diseases from mice and rats.

Currently, there are over 35 diseases mice carry. Based on this figure alone, we should all be worried. They run around in homes everywhere. The potential danger from these rodents is ridiculously overlooked.

How Rodents Transfer Infections

Rodents can spread diseases via a variety of ways. The potential transfer pathways are numerous, and their presence can lead to dangerous results.

Droppings and Urine

Various house mouse diseases and viruses take their roots from excrement. Infection occurs when you come in contact with the droppings. This can be via the consumption of contaminated food or by accidental physical contact. Dust can also contribute to the spreading of disease as it contains particles of droppings and urine.

Besides, rats and mice hide and crawl in very hot spaces. They can use spots near ventilation or hot water pipes. This can also result in picking up and spreading of droppings dust and urine vapor. The diseases from mouse droppings are common and are likely to happen even if you take care of your home environment on a regular basis.

Direct Contact with Rodents

Some diseases and viruses are spread to humans by direct contact with mice and rats. At home, this can happen accidentally at night. Also, you might be searching for something on your attic and touch a rat. You should be extremely careful while dealing with dead rats and mice – wear protective gear to handle this issue.

Contact with Saliva

You’re not kissing rodents, but they are eating your food. When you have a pest infestation, it is important to store your food away from mice. Handle any property that was damaged by rodents with increased caution.

Rodent Bites

Rodents’ bites are rare, but, at the same time, it is a real possibility. Rodent bites may open a direct way of getting viruses and diseases in your body. This may happen if you have an extreme pest infestation in your house.

Diseases Spread by Rats and Mice

There are numerous diseases spread by rats to humans. Some of them are not uniquely relative to mice and rats. Here is a list of common diseases these rodents may transfer to people.

Plague

Plague remains a problem for rural areas, even in present-day America. Whenever an infected rat dies, the fleas carry those bacteria to another host. The next host is often another rodent; however, it might be a human as well. The bacteria, Yersinia pestis, thrives in lymph nodes causing swelling. There are many types of plagues; Pneumonic, Bubonic, and Septicemic plague.

The symptoms include chills, fevers, shock, sore lymph nodes, as well as extreme fatigue. Despite the high fatality, the plague is treatable. Over-the-counter antibiotics can cure the disease effectively. It is one of the most common diseases caused by rat droppings.

Hantavirus

The Hantavirus first appeared in 1993 in the western USA. This virus spreads via direct contact with remnant rodent saliva, urine, and directly – when one comes in contact with infected animals. Dust with trace amounts of feces and urine may be a medium too. The virus first manifests after three to four weeks of infection.

It is typically characterized by fever, mild fatigue, and aching thigh, back, and hip muscles. Early recognition of the disease allows for acute medical intervention to prevent a fatality. On the other hand, its progression leads to Hantavirus Pulmonary Virus spreading, which is fatal. At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine.

Tularemia

Hawaii remains the only place without an outbreak of Tularemia as the cases of this disease occur across the USA. The natural prevalence means all areas are in potential danger. The disease is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis.

On practice, it is transferred via direct skin contact, rodent and flea bites. Tularemia infections can be fatal if not treated in time. Luckily, regular antibiotics help in dealing with this disease. The big caveat is that you cannot predict the symptoms consistently. Tularemia symptoms vary depending on the point of entry of the infection.

However, there is one common symptom, which is extreme fevers of up to 104F. The most potent and fatal form of Tularemia is pneumonic infection. Its symptoms include coughing, severe chest pains, and difficulty in breathing.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis

The chances of getting sick from mouse droppings are even higher for pet owners. The risk increases in winter as mice infiltrate homes in search of warmth. The average mouse is a natural vector for LCM. It is a viral infection caused by the LCM virus, LCMV. Pet mouse owners are prone to this infection when the rodents are handling nests. Direct saliva contact and skin contact are also avenues for infection.

This infection comes in two stages. The first step encompasses nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, fever, coughs, diminished appetites, aching muscles, and nausea episodes. The second step of disease is far more serious. It compiles meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis.

What is even worse, LCM can be transferred from a mother to the fetus during pregnancy. It can be fatal if infection occurs in the first trimester. In adults, however, the worst outcome is often irreversible neurological effects if the symptoms are left untreated. LCM is one of the most common rat diseases in the USA.

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. It is common worldwide and limited to tropic regions. The bacteria are borne by rodents and farm animals alike. Bearing little or no symptoms, the detection is very difficult.

An infection is often caught when one becomes severely ill after a period of incubation of this bacteria. The pathogen is transferred by eating contaminated food and contact with infected animals. Also, trace amounts that get in mucous membranes may cause the disease to spread. These membranes include the nose and saliva glands in the mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What diseases do rats carry?

The diseases that are carried by most rodents are often transferred by rats as well. The reason for this is their close genetic heritage and shared habitats.

Do mice carry rabies?

On the contrary to the popular myth, rodents do not carry rabies. Up to date, there is little evidence suggesting the transfer of rabies to rodents. Therefore, they can`t be a source of this disease.

What diseases do mice carry?

Mice carry similar diseases to rats. There are some diseases that are only brought by mice, like Tularemia. However, rats and mice are often in the same habitat and still pose a significant risk of infection across species. Health problems caused by mice infestation are treatable if detected early.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The availability of powerful antibiotics is a relief in the fight against rodents. It is, however, not sufficient to treat the infection. Some of them are viral and cannot be treated. A lack of vaccines and the ability to detect infections increase potential risks. In this light, it is easier to prevent an infection than to manage it. Keeping your living spaces clean and rodent-free is the best defense against rat feces dangers and other risks posed by these creatures.

References:

• Diseases directly transmitted by rodents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
  https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/direct.html
• Tularemia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
  https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/index.html

Discovering animal feces without being able to identify the source of it can be distressing. However, rat droppings can be particularly problematic because these small rodents tend to defecate in the same location. As a result, once you become aware that you have a rodent infestation, you may also find a sizable accumulation of feces. This can require a significant amount of effort to clean up and repair the affected areas, even after you have addressed the underlying rodent problem.

It is very critical to take a couple of measures to handle the poop effectively. Besides, you also need to be cautious to prevent getting any diseases from dealing with the droppings. Still, do you know what rat poop looks like? How can you get rid of it completely? I have created this article to help you with this unpleasant issue.

What Do Rat Feces Look Like?

So, you’re wondering, “what does rat poop look like?” It’s quite easy to identify rat feces, especially if they have infested your property. You will see dark poop pellets scattered all over the place. They tend to appear in big groupings, are about an olive’s shape and size, and can mostly be found close to insulations. Still, you can always look up pictures of rat poop to see what they look like.

Color

They are normally black; so, the blacker they are, the fresher they are. This should help to tell whether the infestation is old or new. Old poop tends to dry out, turning gray.

Size

You might be curious about the size of rat feces. This can depend on the species of rat, as well as the age of the individual rodent. If you discover multiple droppings in a single location, which is probable, you should be able to distinguish between those left by younger and older rats. This will allow you to determine whether there are any rats present in your home or not. If the feces are smaller than a grain of rice, they were most likely left by a smaller creature such as a cockroach or a mouse.

Quantity

If you look at pictures of rat feces, you’ll see that they tend to come in large quantities. In one day, a single rat can produce between 30 to 55 droppings. Even a large number of droppings can indicate the presence of rodents in your home. The quantity of droppings is particularly relevant because it allows experts to estimate how many rats are present on the property.

Shape

Most rat turds are sausage-shaped. Others tend to look like pills. You might notice a pinch at either end, with the turd looking somehow pointed.

Moisture

New feces are usually moist and have a shiny appearance. You can check the freshness of feces by using a pen to press it. If the feces crumbles, it’s a sign that it’s old.

Location

Rats are bigger in comparison to mice. So, rat poop is normally found in places that are large enough for them to fit. They include the attic spaces, below kitchen equipment, behind stored containers or storage shelves, or along a shed or garage’s wall.

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Difference Between Rat Poop and Other Pests

Rat droppings size is different as compared to that of other animals. On the picture you can see rat droppings. For instance, the droppings of squirrels are normally smaller in comparison to those of rats. They are approximately ⅜ of an inch, while the poop size of an average rat is ¾ of an inch. Besides, squirrels have highly cylindrical-shaped turds, which are browner as well.

Bats, on the other hand, have slightly tinier droppings in comparison to rats, resembling a long black pellet of rice. Mice also have smaller turds in comparison to rats. Finally, roach droppings are also smaller being roughly ¼ of an inch, and black, which is why they are often mistaken for mice poop. However, cockroaches will get into spaces that even mice can’t access, so their poop will be found in several locations.

Is Rat Poop Dangerous? What Diseases May It Cause?

In the colder months, rats tend to look for a warm and safe place with food, often entering our homes through small openings. However, the problem with having rats inside our homes is that they can spread diseases and cause significant property damage. Rat droppings, for instance, can spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and contaminate food sources. When rat poop dries out, it can also be hazardous to inhale. Moreover, rat droppings can also carry viruses and diseases, such as:

Hantavirus

This is a potentially lethal disease spread by rodents to human beings. You get it if you become exposed to or inhale infected rat dropping, saliva, or urine. Besides, the chances heighten when you are near a space where rats are actively residing. Early signs and symptoms of hantavirus include feeling dizzy or tired, headaches, a fever, abdominal pains, chills, as well as muscle aches.

Bubonic Plague

This plague is also referred to as the “Black Death.” It is significantly contagious, and popular for killing roughly 34% of the population in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is normally spread through being bitten by an infected rat and can lead to headaches, fever, or lymph nodes that are swollen and painful.

Salmonellosis

This is a kind of food poisoning. It is spread by rat poop through consuming contaminated food. Symptoms of this disease include abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea.

Rat-Bite Fever (RBF)

This is another potentially serious infectious disease caused by rats. It is spread by an infected rat or consuming food that has been contaminated by rats. Symptoms include pain in the muscles, a rash, headaches, puking, and fever.

How to Clean It Safely

Naturally, you may be seeking advice on how to clean up rat droppings. This can be a complicated process that requires great care. However, this passage will provide you with detailed instructions for cleaning up rat poop.

Start by opening your windows and doors. It’s crucial to ventilate the room you’ll be cleaning for at least half an hour before you begin.

1. Put on protective gear, such as rubber gloves to prevent direct contact with the feces. A face mask will prevent inhalation of dust, and protective goggles can keep contaminated dust out of your eyes.
2. Spray the droppings with a 10% chlorine bleach solution (720 ml of chlorine bleach in 10 liters of hot water). Do not use a vacuum or broom, as this could release pathogens into the air or trap them in your cleaning tools.
3. Use a paper towel to pick up the droppings, and dispose of them in a plastic bag that can be sealed. Dispose of the waste outside of your property.
4. Wipe all surfaces and floors with disinfectant, such as the previously mentioned solution. Once finished, dry the surfaces with a paper towel.
5. Finally, thoroughly clean your hands and scrub them with disinfectant and hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions on Rat Feces

Now you have an idea of what rat poop looks like. Besides, you know that it causes diseases. Still, I’d like to address some of the commonly asked questions.

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What Does Rat Poop Smell Like?

You will notice an odor that is musky and pungent in your property. The urine, however, tends to have a more noticeable odor. If there’s rat poop, there is rat urine as well.

How Long Is Rat Poop Toxic?

There isn’t a particular time frame within which rat poop remains toxic. This is because, whether moist or dry, it can cause diseases. It can trigger allergies, contaminate sources of food, and spread bacteria, whether it is fresh or old.

What Disease Is Caused by Rat Poop?

Though I have already mentioned this aspect, I would like to collect all the negative impacts of rat feces that may cause harm to a human’s health in one list. So, these diseases are:

• Hantavirus;
• Bubonic plague;
• Rat-bite fever;
• Salmonellosis.

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Getting Rid of Rat Poop in Your Property

Rat poop can be quite stressful to clean out. It may leave your home with a pungent odor or looking unpleasant. Besides, you’ve seen that rat turds can also cause several diseases. Of course, you don’t want to take chances, that is why you need to clean it out as soon as you can.

With the details given above, it becomes easier not only to identify what rat poop looks like but also to clean it out. How do you deal with these rodents, and clean out their poop? I am looking forward to your questions and comments, which can be left in the comment section below.

References:

• Cleaning Up After Rodents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
  https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html

Mice always leave evidence of their presence either by causing destruction or pooping in your house. This is the way you will know the areas where the mice are more active in your home. Most people have no idea how mouse poop looks like, and they may sweep it off, thinking it is normal dirt. It is important to know how the poop looks like since some may carry dangerous infectious diseases.

Many people often confuse mouse poop with rat poop, which can be challenging to identify and clean up. To help you identify mouse droppings and detect an infestation early on, I have created a comprehensive guide with detailed information. This will allow you to identify mouse poop and take appropriate action to deal with the issue before it gets worse.

What Do Mice Droppings Look Like? – A Quick Way to Recognize Them

To quickly recognize mouse poop, it is important to examine its size and color. Mouse droppings are thin, resembling tiny pellets that are typically 1/16 inches thick and 3/16 inches in length. They have pointed ends and a slightly swollen middle. Fresh mouse droppings are dark brown, but they will become lighter in color as they age.

Difference Between Mouse Poop and That of Other Pests

Distinguishing mouse poop from those of other pests such as rats and cockroaches helps you to be certain of what you’re dealing with. The mouse poop size is the key distinguishing factor. How big are mouse droppings? They are smaller and appear like dark rice grains and have a tapered look towards the end.

They are approximately a quarter of an inch as compared to the rat droppings, which are 1/2 of an inch wide and larger than those of the mice. When comparing mouse poop vs cockroach poop, it is important to note that the big cockroaches’ poops have ridges along with the droppings while the mouse droppings do not have these ridges. So, when you see pests poop in your house, but you are not sure if they are for mice, compare them with mouse droppings images to see if they match.

How to Know if the Mice Are Still There

A method to determine whether you have a current mouse infestation is by removing the poop carefully or asking for professional assistance to remove the poop. If you find new poop 24 hours after removing them, then that is an indication that there is a current infestation in your home.

You can also determine a current infestation by the hardness of the droppings. If you are wondering, are mouse droppings hard? Yes, they become hard after 24 hours of defecation, but this method may not be accurate since, in a damp area, they may soften.

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Where to Find Mouse Poop in House

Mice are nocturnal creatures; that is, they are active during the night. Therefore, spotting them is hard. Thus, if you have found mouse droppings but no mouse, it is still a clear sign of infestation. How often do mice poop? On average, mice can defecate 50-70 droppings every day.

Droppings do not have to be many to indicate a raid by the mice. If you have found one mouse dropping, it can still be a sign that they are present. The presence of one mouse is an indication that there are several other mice around; they rarely stay alone. Hence, it is important to check various places in your house for a possible raid by the mice.

Also, you can opt to seek for professional help to identify the extent of raiding by these rodents. It is best to check the places indicated below in your house in case you are suspecting an infestation.

• Food preparation and storage places like the kitchen cabinets;
• Any dark corners in the house;
• Any air ventilation areas, holes in the house, or pipes;
• Bathroom closets;
• Any space that an animal can crawl in;
• Clothes and shoe closet;
• Near or behind appliances such as the fridge.

Is Mouse Poop Dangerous? Here’s What You Should Know

Hantavirus syndrome is a virus carried by most rodents, mice included. One can contract this disease by breathing in air that has been contaminated with this virus, which is present in the urine and droppings of the carrier rodents. Therefore, this answers the question, “what diseases do mice droppings carry?”

Since most people are ignorant about diseases caused by mouse poop, they may handle the poop carelessly or even ignore its presence altogether. The treatment of this virus is limited, and therefore, you should be careful during cleaning. Moreover, the symptoms of this virus present themselves as flu, which, if not treated, may be fatal.

How to Clean Mouse Poop Safely

To completely do away with mouse turds, the best thing to do is to get rid of all the mice by using the appropriate and less dangerous methods. You can do this yourself or seek professional services. If you decide to do it on your own, then it is advisable to avoid touching it with your bare hands since you can get infected.

To conduct proper cleaning, you should first ensure you wear the appropriate gears like face mask and gloves. Expose or air the areas you have found the pellets for 30 minutes before cleaning. Additionally, use disinfectant liquids or sprays on the area to make the droppings wet and kill the germs in the area.

Further, use a disposable rag or towels to wipe the area and dispose of them well after use. Can you vacuum mouse droppings? Many people debate whether this should be done. Ideally, it may look like a reasonable thing to do to avoid touching the mouse poop, but this is not the case since these droppings contain infectious germs that are airborne and may make you or even your family sick. Therefore, vacuuming should be done on the area after the poop has been removed.

 

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Have you detected a few chewed-up yummies in your kitchen or a strange hole in your living room couch? It looks like mice have invaded your home. Naturally, if these furry troublemakers eat your food, they poop on your floors. Alas! You should take mouse feces seriously. Why? Because rodent infestation is a potential danger […]

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Greetings, guys, my name is Nicholas and welcome to my pest control blog. Today I want to talk about mice, their habits, and what is more important, about the most effective way of mouse trapping. As you may know, mice can live almost everywhere: in homes, cafes, and shops all year round, but they become […]

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Closing Remarks

Most times, people are oblivious of the dangers that can be caused by the droppings of these rodents. Therefore, they are not keen enough to clean them properly or even notice them. If this is a recurring problem in your house, you should seek professional help to assist you in identifying where the mice are hiding and get rid of them.

If you choose to handle the situation alone, ensure you follow instructions to the latter, especially if you find mouse droppings in the kitchen. This is because the germs may be transmitted to your food or even cutleries. Most importantly, it is important to have a mouse poop picture to use for confirming if the droppings you find in the house are for mice.

Have you ever encountered mouse poop in your house? What remedies did you use to get rid of the poop? Was the problem solved completely? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.

References:

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (Mayo Clinic):
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351838
• Cleaning Up After Rodents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
  https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html