Rats vs Mice: How to tell what’s in your home (and what to do next)

If you’re hearing scratching noises or finding droppings, the key difference is this: rats are larger, louder, and more cautious, while mice are smaller, quieter, and more curious.

Knowing which one you’re dealing with helps you choose the most effective way to get rid of them and prevent the problem from getting worse.

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What’s the difference between rats and mice?

Size

• Mice: Small (around 5–10cm body length) 
• Rats: Much larger (20–25cm body length, not including tail) 

If it looks big, it’s most likely a rat.

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Droppings

• Mice: Small, rice-sized droppings (3–6mm) 
• Rats: Larger, capsule-shaped droppings (up to 20mm) 

Droppings are one of the easiest ways to tell the difference.

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Noises

• Mice: Light scratching, usually quieter 
• Rats: Louder thumping, scratching, or movement, especially in ceilings 

Loud, heavy movement is a strong sign of rats.

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Behaviour

• Mice: Curious and quick to explore new things 
• Rats: Cautious and wary of unfamiliar objects 

This is why rats are often harder to catch with DIY traps.

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Where They Live

• Mice: Inside walls, cupboards, kitchens 
• Rats: Roof cavities, subfloors, garages, and outdoor areas 

Rats often enter from outside, while mice stay closer to food sources indoors.

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Why does it matter if you have rats or mice?

While both are unwanted pests, the way you deal with them can differ:

• Mice reproduce quickly, meaning a small issue can escalate fast 
• Rats tend to cause more noticeable damage and often require a more strategic approach 

Both rats and mice can:

• Contaminate food 
• Spread bacteria 
• Damage wiring, plumbing, insulation, and property 

Identifying the correct pest helps ensure you’re using the right method to remove them effectively.

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What are the signs of rats or mice in your home?

Common signs of a rodent problem include:

• Droppings in cupboards, drawers, or along skirting boards 
• Scratching or movement in walls or ceilings 
• Gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, hard plastic or plumbing and wiring 
• Nests made from shredded paper or fabric 
• Unusual behaviour from pets 

The earlier you spot these signs, the easier it is to deal with the problem.

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What should you do if you have rats or mice?

1. Act quickly

Rodents breed rapidly, so early action can prevent a larger infestation.

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2. Be cautious with DIY solutions

Traps and baits can be effective, but only when used correctly. Common issues include poor placement, using the wrong type of trap, incorrect baiting or not using enough traps for the space.

To improve your chances of success:

• Place traps along walls and skirting boards - rodents tend to travel along edges, not across open spaces 
• Position traps perpendicular to the wall (with the trigger side facing the wall) 
• Use multiple traps rather than just one - especially for mice 
• Avoid moving traps too often, particularly for rats, as they can be cautious of new objects 
• Choose the right bait (e.g. peanut butter is commonly effective) 

DIY methods can work for small or early-stage issues, but may be less effective for larger or established infestations.

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3. Check and block entry points

Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps:

• Mice: as small as a 10c coin 
• Rats: about the size of a golf ball 

Check for gaps around areas like:

• Pipes and plumbing 
• Vents and roof gaps 
• Under doors and along external walls 

Seal any openings with appropriate materials (such as steel wool, scrunched wire mesh or sealant) to prevent re-entry.

Remove or secure any food scraps, bins used for rubbish around the home.

Rats are also excellent climbers and often use nearby trees or structures to access your roof. Trim back any branches or vines that are close to your home, ideally keeping them at least a metre away from the roofline, to reduce easy access points.

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4. Consider professional pest control

If the problem continues or you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, professional pest control can:

• Accurately identify the pest 
• Apply targeted treatments 
• Help prevent future infestations 

JAE provides safe and effective pest control solutions tailored to your home and situation. Their experienced technicians take the time to identify the source of the problem and apply targeted pest control solutions.

Now is the time to get help as Autumn through Winter are when rodents enter homes looking for warmth and shelter.

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FAQs

Are rats worse than mice?

Not necessarily, rats tend to cause more damage, while mice reproduce faster. Both can become serious problems if not dealt with quickly.

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What attracts rats and mice to my home?

Food, warmth, and shelter are the main attractants. Open food, rubbish, pet food, and easy access points all increase the risk.

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How quickly do rodents multiply?

Very quickly, especially mice. A small problem can grow into a large infestation within weeks if left untreated.