Blog
Is That A Mouse Or A Rat In Your Honolulu Home?
8/15/13
Having an infestation of rodents (mice, rats, it doesn’t really matter what kind) in your home is unpleasant but unfortunately it happens to homeowners in Honolulu and throughout Hawaii every day and can actually be quite dangerous. All rodents have incisors that grow continuously so to keep those teeth at a manageable length, rodents are constantly gnawing. Inside your home, they will use pipes, electrical wires, insulation, drywall and other building materials as well as furniture, clothing and other personal belongings as their chew toy. Unfortunately this kind of behavior can lead to house fires and the extensive destruction of your property. Along with costly damages, rodents can introduce parasites and diseases into homes and threaten the health and safety of your family members. If you are wondering why it matters if the culprits are mice or rats (you’re probably thinking who cares, I just want them gone!), well the method for removal may differ by pest. With that in mind let’s take a closer look at the mice and rats that call Hawaii home.
The house mouse is by far the most common type of mouse found in and around homes in Hawaii while there are few types of rats that plague Hawaii. They include the roof rat, the Norway rat and the Polynesian rat. Very similar in looks and behavior, there are differences between mice and rats that will help you determine which type of rodent is causing problems.
Difference between a mouse and a rat
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First off, rats are larger than mice ranging in size from 9 -11 inches long (this does not include their tail). Mice on the other hand may only grow up to 4 inches long not including their tail.
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Their snouts also are shaped differently with rats have a rounder one and mice having a more triangular snout.
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Gross, but you can tell their droppings apart as mice droppings smaller and resembling a grain of rice. Lacking pointed ends, rat droppings are larger (about 5/8 of an inch in length) and are curved.
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Mice are very curious critters while rats are more likely to be cautious.
If your home has a rodent infestation (i.e. you hear scratching behind the walls, have listened to the pitter patter of little feet scurrying overhead in the ceiling at night or have found droppings in your kitchen) and you are not sure what to do, give a Honolulu exterminator a call. Though you may find lots of do-it-yourself rodent control products at the store, you are not likely to be successful in resolving an infestation of either mice or rats. You see, if you don’t address the source of the infestation, it doesn’t matter how many mice you catch in traps or rats you kill with poison, they will keep coming back! The best way to get rid of mice and /or rats is to contact a pest control company that specializes in rodent control in Honolulu and Hawaii. They have the knowledge and tools to eliminate rodent infestations while at the same time ensuring that they do not re-infest your home.
If you’re not dealing with rodents in your home and want to keep it that way, consider implementing the following rodent prevention tips:
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Seal any cracks or openings on the exterior of the home.
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Caulk any gaps around doors and windows and replace torn screen coverings
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Install crushed rock around the perimeter of the house.
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Do not leave pet food outside or keep trash uncovered by the house.
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Trim trees and shrubs back so they do not provide a bridge to the dwelling.
For more rodent prevention tips or for rodent control in Honolulu and Hawaii, Sandwich Isle Pest Solutions can help! Experienced Honolulu exterminators, the team at Sandwich Isle has been getting rid of mice and rats since 1997 and is ready to help you control and prevent rodent activity in and around your home.