Pest guide
Mouse vs. rat: identify your rodent
Trap size, bait placement and exclusion materials all depend on whether you have mice or rats, and which rat.
Start with droppings
UGA Extension’s simple rule: mouse droppings are about the size of a grain of rice, and rat droppings are about the size of a raisin.
Comparison
| House mouse | Roof rat | Norway rat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body length | ~2.5–3.5 in | ~6–8 in | ~7–10 in |
| Tail | ≈ body length | Longer than body | Shorter than body |
| Ears & nose | Large ears, small head | Large ears, pointed nose | Small ears, blunt nose |
| Droppings | Rice-sized | Raisin-sized, pointed | Raisin-sized+, blunt |
| Travels | Within a small area | Climbs: trees, lines, attics | Burrows: foundations, crawl spaces |
| Entry gap | About dime-sized (UGA) | Larger | Larger |
Sources
Sources reviewed November 2026. Regulations change; confirm with the issuing agency.