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 |
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| 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 |