Mice Or Rats; Which Is Worse To Have In My New England Home?

This isn't an easy question to answer. It isn't good to have either of these disease-spreading rodents inside your New England home. But there are a few reasons you may decide one is worse than the others. Let's take a look at them.

Are mice the worst?

There are a handful of rodents that get into homes. The three most common are mice, rats, and squirrels. Of these three, mice are the most common, and rats are a close second. While there are a few species of mice that can get into your home, the common house mouse (as you can probably guess from its name) is the most common. The house mouse, which is sometimes called a field mouse because it is one of many species of mice that live in fields, prefers to live in man-made structures. Our homes provide mice with the most essential thing they need: protection from predators. Mice can roam around in most structures without the fear of being eaten by a bird, snake, or some other animal that preys upon mice. Our homes can also provide easy access to food and water. Why would a mouse want to live anywhere else? If you think the worst rodent is the most common rodent, then mice are the worst.

Another way you might think mice are worse is in their propensity to stay hidden. Mice are skittish creatures that avoid detection. Usually, their presence is only noticed by dogs and cats, which have keener senses. This allows mice to infest a home for long periods without being exterminated. This can lead to ongoing sickness and property damage.

Are rats the worst?

When rats get into a structure, one concern is that they bite. Though they aren't naturally aggressive toward people, they can become aggressive in some circumstances. Rats are far bolder than mice. They can enter into an area where there are people, especially if they're drawn to a food source. Close proximity can lead to close contact. If you see a rat crawling on your child's back, your instinct will be to grab it and throw it off. This is the kind of circumstance that will lead to a bite. Rats won't approach you and attack you, or hunt you while you sleep. But they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.

Another way rats can be worse than mice is that they can chew larger holes than mice. A little mouse can get through a hole the size of a dime. Rats need a hole the size of a quarter. And they are equipped with strong teeth that are capable of making these holes.

Problems Rodents Cause

It is bad when any rodent gets into your home. Rodents can create many issues and pose a serious threat to the health of everyone living in your home. Here are a few things you can expect a rodent to do:

• Chew holes in the exterior which can let rainwater and secondary pests inside
• Chew on baseboards, sheetrock, plywood, and more
• Gnaw on wiring
• Chew holes in stored furniture and make their nests inside
• Chew holes in clothing and other stored items
• Leave their excrement in attic spaces and in the areas they explore
• Soak insulation with their urine and leave urine as they explore
• Chew their way into food packages and cause contamination
• Knock items over and break them
• Bite people and pets

Rodent Control In New England

Mice and rats can cause big problems when they get into your home. If you live in New England, find out if you're in our service area. The team at American Pest Solutions offers comprehensive rodent control services. We don't just lay traps down. We'll inspect your exterior for entry points and seal things up. We can also perform structural repairs if needed. The most eco-friendly way to prevent rodent infestation is effective exclusion. When you choose American Pest Solutions, that's what you get. Rodent control that is tough on rodents and gentle on the environment, we offer green pest control solutions for your home or business. Reach out to us today for a free evaluation of your home. We're standing by to assist you in this important protection for your health and property.