Rodents infestation remains a major problem in many areas, with the common rodents being rats and mice. Although they are an important part of the ecosystem, they may be a nuisance to human beings, and may, in most cases, need pest control measures. To differentiate between the two, factors such as animal behavior, habitats, and food preference may be used. Other factors such as poop may be used to differentiate between rats and mice.  

What is Mouse Poop?

Commonly grey when old and black when fresh, mouse poop is an important feature in the identification of rodents during an infestation. The quantity of the fecal matter in mice is also substantial, with droppings of 70 to 150 and has a shape of a spindle, and bend with an arch. The most common places where mice poop may be found in the house includes; under the kitchen sinks, in the back of drawers, inside pantries and behind food boxes. 

What is Rat Poop?

This has a dark or grey color, depending on whether it’s fresh or old. When fresh, it is soft and dark, while when old, it is grey with a dusty texture. They are curved, with pointed and sausage-shaped ends. The droppings are about 20 -50 pellets, depending on how small or large the rat groups are. Rat poop is commonly found in sewers, garages, rooftops, basements and other damp areas. 

Similarities between Mouse Poop and Rat Poop

• Both may be found in the same areas

Differences between Mouse Poop and Rat Poop

1. Color

While mouse poop is grey when old and black when fresh, rat poop is dark when fresh and grey when old. 

2. Shape

Mouse poop has a shape of a spindle, and bend with an arch. On the other hand, rat poop is curved, with pointed and sausage-shaped ends. 

3. Quantity

The quantity of the fecal matter in mice is substantial with droppings of 70 to 150. On the other hand, the droppings in rats is an approximation of 20 -50 pellets, depending on how small or large the rat groups.

4. Common location

While mouse poop is commonly found in locations such as under the kitchen sinks, in the back of drawers, inside pantries and behind food boxes, rat poop is common in sewers, garages, rooftops, basements and other damp areas. 

Mouse Poop vs. Rat Poop: Comparison Table

Summary of Mouse Poop vs. Rat Poop

While it is essential to differentiate mouse and rat poop, measures should be taken as the waste may carry hazardous diseases such as Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, Hemorrhagic fever and rat-bite fever. Food and any other edibles should also be properly stored in areas that manifestation is likely. 

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