Rodent Round Up: Rats vs. Mice in Businesses

Colder weather often signals the start of rodent season, and if you spot one scurrying across your business floor, you know it’s time for action. Rodents reproduce quickly, so a single sighting can escalate into a full-blown infestation if not handled promptly.

The first step to effective commercial rodent control is correctly identifying your uninvited guest. While rats and mice might look similar at a glance, they have distinct differences in appearance and behavior. Knowing whether you're dealing with a rat or a mouse is crucial for choosing the right pest management strategy. Let’s break down the key characteristics to help you tell them apart.

Rats vs. Mice: How to Tell the Difference

Have you ever seen a rat or mouse scurrying through your business and felt at a loss for what to do next? Here are a few physical characteristics that can help you identify them correctly:

Rat Characteristics:

• Size: Significantly larger than mice.

• Color: Can be white, brown, gray, or black.

• Facial Features: Have a blunt snout and short whiskers.

• Tail: Their tails are hairless and scaly

Mouse Characteristics:

• Size: Much smaller than rats.

• Color: Typically white, brown, or gray.

• Facial Features: Have a triangular snout, long whiskers, and large, floppy ears.

• Tail: Their tails are long (often longer than their bodies) and have some hair.

Proactive Rodent Prevention for Your Business

When it comes to keeping rodents out, a little prevention goes a long way. These pests can multiply in the blink of an eye, turning a small problem into a major headache. To protect your business, follow these essential rodent prevention steps:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your building's interior and exterior for any holes, cracks, or gaps larger than a ¼ inch and seal them securely.

• Secure Doors: Install weather strips at the bottom of all exterior doors to block a common entry route.

• Maintain Landscaping: Trim back tree branches, overgrown plants, and bushes near your building that could provide shelter or a bridge for rodents.

• Proper Food Storage: Store all food items in containers with tight-fitting lids.

• Manage Waste: Dispose of trash properly and ensure garbage cans are emptied regularly.

Commercial Rodent Control

Rodents don't just gnaw on your inventory; they gnaw on your reputation. A pest problem can lead to health code violations, customer complaints, and damage to your brand. That's why professional commercial rodent control is not just a service, it's an investment in your business's health and longevity.

Can Orkin get rid of mice and rats in businesses?

Yes, Orkin can help get rid of mice and rats in your facility. With over 120 years of expertise, we create tailored plans for industries like foodservice, healthcare, and logistics. Our methods help eliminate rodent infestations and prevent future ones.

How does Orkin get rid of mice and rats?

Our approach to commercial rodent control is comprehensive, focusing on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy. Here’s how we tackle a rodent problem:

• Inspection: We start with a thorough inspection to identify signs of rodent activity, potential entry points, and conditions that might be attracting them.

• Trapping & Removal: If rodents are present, we implement effective trapping and removal methods to reduce the population quickly and safely.

• Exclusion: We don’t just get them out; we keep them out. Our team will identify and seal potential entryways using durable materials like door sweeps and caulking to fortify your facility.

• Sanitation: Pests love a mess. We provide detailed recommendations for maintaining a clean environment that discourages rodents.

• Monitoring: Our job isn't done after the initial treatment. We continuously monitor your property to ensure the plan is working and make adjustments as needed.

Don’t let rodents run your business. For more information on how to help prevent rodents in your facility, download our rodent ebook or schedule a free inspection with an Orkin Pro™.

More Rodent Resources

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5 Most Common Rodents that Infest Businesses

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