Mice weigh between 12 and 30 gms in general and are found in different species such as house mice, spiny mice, volcano mice, Mayor’s mice, deer mice, and dormice. The major difference between a rat and a mouse is their size. Mouse-like species are among the oldest mammals. Mice are equivalent to sparrows in size, generally 12 to 20 cm long. DROPPINGS Rat: Rat droppings are capsule-shaped (like ibuprofen caplets) and about ¾ inch in length. just a few ounces in weight. By clicking the “Submit” button, I authorize Orkin to contact me about their services at this number using an auto dialer. Mouse: A typical house mouse is small and black or gray with large ears, tiny black eyes, and a 3- to 4-inch long, hairless tail. Adults usually range from 6 to 7 inches long (including the tail) and weigh a mere ½ to 1 ounce. Difference between an Optical and a Laser Mouse. It's black with scaley rings on a rat, and tan and more smooth on a mouse. Operating 24/7/365. The major difference between a rat and a mouse is their size. Rats typically live in fear, so they are very cautious about new things and won’t explore like mice. You can see mice in brown, grey or white colors. While a rat is either medium-sized or large, a mouse is relatively smaller in size. They do this to eat, fight, or figure out where they are. A+ BBB Rating. On the other hand, mice are social, timid, and more inclined to be night rodents. Rats are predominantly hairless and have a rough skin, and can be seen in almost all corners of the world, mostly at night. It’ll take more than a baited trap to trick a rat though. However, rats may grow to be as long as 40 cm or more and weigh considerably more than mice. In fact, their nature is quite similar as well, which fuels this perplexity. It is actually tough to distinguish between the two types of rodents that probably share the same ancestor. They can jump 13 inches high and run along wires, cables, and ropes. They have a thin tail and a triangular muzzle with long whiskers. They belong to genus Rattus Rattus (black rat), and Rattus norvegicus (brown rat). Still, as compared to that of a mouse, the muzzle of a rat is a bit softer. A huge similarity in the appearances of a rat and a mouse creates a lot of bafflement in the existence of the two. Size: Rats are medium-sized to large rodents. Many different rodent species are referred to as rats, be they cotton rats, or black rats, or wood rats, or kangaroo rats, or pack rats. Also, they are heavier in weight than their mice counterparts. The feet of a rat are also longer in proportion to the body, and a rat's ears are also larger. They belong to genus Mus musculus. They require less handling and attention and are a good option if you prefer watching your animals to playing with them. They can even climb up rough, vertical surfaces. A Rat is a medium-sized to large rodent that has a long, thin tail. They may be brown, black, or white in color. Enter a zip code below to view local branches. Read all about rats. They can live up to six years in captivity though most naturally live less than a year. In fact, a lot of other rat species are generally called rats, even though they may have no relation to one another. © Copyright 2003-2020 by AAAnimal Control. Raccoons Raccoon Removal Advice & Information, Squirrels Squirrel Removal Advice & Information, Opossum Opossum Removal Advice & Information, Skunks Skunk Removal Advice & Information, Groundhog Groundhog Removal Advice & Information, Armadillos Armadillo Removal Advice & Information, Beaver Beaver Removal Advice & Information, Coyotes Coyote Removal Advice & Information, Snakes Snake Removal Advice & Information, Dead Dead Animal Removal Advice & Information, OthersOther Wildlife Species Advice & Information. However, under special circumstances such as in captivity, they can survive for as long as six years. They enjoy a life span of 2 to 3 years on average. Mice are really small! Both mouse and rat have a pointed snout, though. Color: Their coats are white, gray, brown or black in color and are often soiled enough to leave grease marks on touched surfaces. It has been proposed that higher mammals evolved from rodent-like species many millions of years ago.Mice have been known to humans since antiquity. With thin, hairy tails, mice can be found all over the world. The primary thing, of course, is the size difference. But if they are f… A mouse has a small and triangular head, with a sharp muzzle. Although both rats and mice fall into the rodent category, there are some differences in their behaviors. Like mice, these rodents are also found throughout the world, in varying environments. Mice are nocturnal, timid, social and territorial in nature. Mice are excellent jumpers, swimmers, and climbers. Rats. However, rats and mice generally differ in terms of size and genus. A rat is larger in size than mouse, i.e. Copying is allowed with active link to TheyDiffer.com. This is the common house mouse. Read all about mice. As compared to mice, rats may turn out to be far longer – up to 40 cm. The Romans differentiated poorly between mice and rats, calling rats Mus Maximus (big mouse) and referring to mice as Mus Minimus (little mouse). Mice are usually curious and will explore new things, including traps. A rat has larger feet and ears, with wide muzzle. Rats are also over ten times heavier, with an adult male weighing between a half and one pound while mice weigh in around a measly half ounce. A Better Business Bureau Accredited Business. Email us at info@aaanimalcontrol.com - Humane Wildlife Control Advice - Wild Animal Education, Other Wildlife Species Advice & Information. around 1 pound in weight in general. Most of the time, mice tend to live not more than one year. Choose a mouse if you prefer a more independent pet. Rat vs Mouse. Read on to learn how. These rodents can be found throughout the world in a variety of climates and environments. They are also nocturnal in nature. They enjoy a life span of 1.5 to 2.5 years on average. But these variations are subtle. Though very similar in appearance, mice are very different from rats. I understand my consent to be contacted is not required for me to make a purchase with Orkin. Mice are decidedly more independent than rats. By nature, rats are more unclean, nasty, and sort of wicked. While a rat is either medium-sized or large, a mouse is relatively smaller in size. One of the most important differences in behavior between mice and rats is that mice are curious and rats are cautious. By nature, rats are more unclean, nasty, and sort of wicked. Mice are fast runners. Both mouse and rat have a pointed snout, though. On the other hand, mice are often found to be very cute and loving when kept as pets. Please read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Mice can stand up on their hind legs when supported by their tails. Even though they are smaller in size, mice tend to be a bit bolder than rats. AAAnimal Control is a professional wildlife control company operating in over 500 USA locations. Rats risk a person at contracting various diseases. The rat’s body length is longer, around 9 to 11 inches long whereas a mouse's body is just 3 or 4 inches long. Still, as compared to that of a mouse, the muzzle of a rat is a bit softer. house mouse. A mouse is generally equivalent to the size of a sparrow, i.e. Moving on all four legs, they hold their tail up straight for balance.