Rodents are some of the most common household pests in Maryland, with rats and mice being among the most common. It is estimated that approximately 14.8 million homes in the United States have had mice or rats in the past 12 months.
Maryland homeowners are likely well aware of the rat problem in Baltimore, with the city estimated to have a rat population of approximately 48,000. However, mice and rats are ubiquitous throughout the state, infesting urban, suburban, and rural homes indiscriminately.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean that every Maryland homeowner will encounter a mouse or rat in their home at some point, it does mean that they need to be vigilant in identifying the signs of a rodent infestation.
Many people tend to confuse mice and rats, although mice are generally more common. Nevertheless, rats can be found in homes and fields alike, spreading diseases such as hantavirus and even chewing through home fixtures.
Here is how to tell the difference between mice and rats, what to do if you suspect they have invaded your Maryland home, and different options for rodent control in Maryland.
Common Rodents Found in Maryland Homes
Maryland homeowners often encounter a variety of rodents, with mice being the most common intruders. Among the common mice found in Maryland, house mice and deer mice tend to be the most commonly encountered.
Norway rats follow closely behind as another frequent household pest. While less common, squirrels and chipmunks can also find their way indoors, especially when overhanging tree branches provide easy access to roofs and attics.
Key Differences Between Rats and Mice
Thankfully, most rodents in Maryland tend to stay outside. Therefore, if you encounter a furry little rodent indoors, it’s important to determine whether it’s a mouse or a rat. Here are a few key characteristics to help you identify if you have a mouse or a rat.
Size and appearance
Rats are typically larger than mice, measuring between 6 and 16 inches in length. They have thick, heavy bodies, blunt snouts, and relatively small ears compared to their body size.
Mice, on the other hand, tend to be much smaller, typically only 3-4 inches in length. Their bodies are slender and their snouts are more pointed. Mice also have large, rounded ears in proportion to their heads, and their eyes are noticeably larger relative to their face.
Behavior and nesting habits
Rats are known to be sneakier than mice, and will typically avoid areas with a lot of human traffic. On the other hand, mice tend to be more bold and curious, often making them more visible to homeowners.
As for their nesting habits, mice build small, messy nests that tend to be more out in the open, while rats’ nests are more organized and kept out of sight.
Droppings and tracks
Rat droppings are larger than mouse droppings, measuring at about ¾ inch long. Mouse droppings are smaller and more abundant, with a more pointed appearance.
When it comes to their tracks, rat tracks tend to be larger and more distinct, mostly due to their larger size. Because of this, rat tracks are usually more spaced out, while mouse tracks are closer together.
Gnaw marks and damage patterns
Due to their larger size, rats tend to leave bigger gnaw marks that also have a rougher appearance. The gnaw marks of mice are typically smaller and can often be found on food packaging, furniture, and wiring, while rats prefer to chew on larger items like wooden structures.
Sounds and signs of activity
Rats tend to make more noise, especially when they chew and thump. Mice are quieter than rats and can be identified by the high-pitched squeaks they make, as well as the soft sound of them running around the house.
What to Do If You’re Not Sure If You Have Rats or Mice
If you suspect a rodent infestation of some kind in your home but aren’t sure if you have rats or mice, it is imperative that you contact an exterminator.
Since rats and mice can spread disease, wreck insulation, and even cause electrical fires, it’s essential to eliminate these pests as quickly as possible, and a trained exterminator is your best option.
An experienced exterminator is trained to tell the difference between a rat and a mouse infestation and will be able to recommend a plan of action to target the specific pest you’re dealing with.
In the meantime, you can attempt to identify the type of rodent in your home by comparing the size of their droppings and gnaw marks. Some mouse traps and baits work well against rats, though the process is usually pretty slow and ineffective if you have several rats.
Tips to Prevent Rodents in Maryland Homes
The best offense is a good defense, so preventing rodents from entering your home will save you the headache of identifying and eliminating them.
While preventing rodents from invading your Maryland home may seem difficult, there are several things you can do to make an infestation less likely, including:
- Regularly taking the trash out when it becomes full
- Cleaning up after every meal
- Properly sealing and storing all food and drinks
- Removing excess clutter from the home
- Trimming tree branches and bushes outside the home
- Removing leaf piles and lumber from the property
- Sealing all possible entry points
If mouse traps don’t work, call an experienced pest control specialist to take care of the issue and give you peace of mind.
FAQs
What’s the easiest way to tell if I have rats or mice?
In addition to contacting an exterminator at the first sign of an infestation, homeowners can distinguish between rats and mice by observing their behavioral patterns, examining their droppings, and analyzing the gnaw marks they leave around the home.
Are rats more dangerous than mice?
Rats are more dangerous than mice primarily due to their greater potential for carrying dangerous diseases, as well as their larger size. However, both rats and mice can be harmful to humans who come in contact with them, and both types of pest infestations should be taken seriously and dealt with promptly.
Can rats and mice infest a house at the same time?
While it’s rare, rats and mice can infest a house at the same time, especially if there is a lot of food to go around, as well as enough shelter for both types of rodents.