Brown mouse

Identify rats and mice

Do you have rats or mice?

Rats and mice are typically more active at night, so they can be hard to see. However, there are other signs of their presence. Some things to be aware of:

  • Burrows
  • Nests
  • Droppings and urine stains
  • Runs and tracks
  • Rub marks and chew marks
  • Noises

What kind of rats or mice do you have?

Common rodents found in the Vancouver area are the Norway (brown) rat, the Roof (black) rat and the house mouse. Knowing what is causing the problem will make it easier for you to come up with a good plan.

Particulars Norway Rat Roof Rat House Mouse
Colour Brownish red Dark grey/black Greyish brown/black
Weight 10 – 17 oz. 8 oz. ¾ oz.
Length (incl. tail) 12 – 18 inches 13 – 17 inches 6 – 7 inches
Physical Features
  • Broad, blunt nose
  • Small eyes & ears
  • Thick, heavy body
  • Coarse fur
  • Hairless tail shorter than the body
  • Narrow, pointed nose
  • Large eyes & ears
  • Smaller & sleeker than Norway Rat
  • Dark coloured tail longer than the body
  • Large ears
  • Small, slender body
  • Fine fur
  • Nearly hairless tail as long as the body
No. of Litters Avg. 4 – 7 per year Avg. 4 – 6 per year Avg. 8 per year
No. of Young 6 – 12 per litter 6 – 8 per litter 5 – 7 per litter
Diet Meats, fish, grains, almost anything Fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains Grains, cereals, meats, fish, etc.
Nests Burrows or crawlspaces 100-150 ft. from food & water Trees, ceilings, or attics 100-150 ft. from food & water Corners 10-30 ft. from food & water

Did you know?

There are more than 60 species of rats world wide. Two of them, the Norway rat and the brown rat, are common in Vancouver.

Contact Property Use Inspections

Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30am to 4:30pm

Saturday, Sunday, holidays
Closed

Location
Development and Building Services Centre
515 West 10th Avenue
Ground Floor