Pest Library
How to identify mice & rats
Mice and rats are the most common winter pest in Ontario homes and businesses. They contaminate food, chew through wiring and insulation, and reproduce quickly β a small problem becomes a serious one within weeks. Identifying the species and catching the early signs makes treatment far faster.
What they look like
- βHouse mouse β small (7β10 cm body), grey-brown, large ears and a thin tail as long as the body; droppings are rice-grain sized and pointed.
- βNorway rat β large (20β25 cm body), brown, heavy-bodied with small ears and a thick tail shorter than the body; droppings are capsule-shaped, up to 2 cm.
- βRoof rat β sleeker than the Norway rat with a tail longer than the body; prefers upper levels, attics and rafters.
- βMice are curious and explore new objects; rats are cautious and avoid new things for a few days β which affects how each is trapped.
Signs of an infestation
- βDroppings along walls, in cupboards, drawers, or near food sources.
- βGnaw marks on packaging, wiring, baseboards, or wooden structures.
- βScratching or scurrying sounds in walls and ceilings, especially at night.
- βGreasy rub marks along baseboards and a musky ammonia-like smell in enclosed spaces.
- βShredded nesting material β paper, fabric, or insulation β in hidden corners.
Why professional treatment matters
Rodents breed fast and slip through gaps as small as a coin, so trapping alone rarely ends an infestation. We identify the entry points, set a targeted trapping and baiting program, and exclusion-proof the building so new rodents cannot get back in β the step most DIY efforts skip.
See our Mice & Rat Control service βFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is mice or rats?βΎ
Size of the droppings is the quickest tell: mouse droppings are small and pointed like grains of rice, while rat droppings are much larger and capsule-shaped. Rats also leave bigger gnaw marks and greasier rub trails.
How quickly do rodents multiply?βΎ
A single female mouse can have 5β10 litters a year, with several pups each. That is why acting at the first signs β rather than waiting β makes such a difference to how quickly the problem is resolved.
Will sealing gaps really keep them out?βΎ
Exclusion is the most important long-term step. Mice can fit through a gap the width of a pencil, so sealing entry points around pipes, vents and foundations is what stops the cycle from repeating.
Get Started
Think you have mice & rats?
Book a same-day inspection β we'll confirm what it is and tell you exactly what it takes to resolve it.