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Why Norway Rats Are More Dangerous Than Mice

.When talking about rodents, rats and mice are often used interchangeably. But are they really that much alike? It’s an easy mistake to make. They’re both part of the same animal family, they both like cheese, and they both infest our homes and cause trouble. However, the damage they can do and the dangers that they pose differ in degree. Think of it like this – rats are mice on steroids, and of all the rat species out there, the Norway rat is the most common in home infestation. So let’s take a look at what sets these two species apart when it comes to the severity of their infestations.

Rats are more difficult to control

This is what pest control professionals consider to be the key difference between rats and mice. Norway rats are smarter and more paranoid than mice. For example, they are more likely to eat bait without setting off the trap, and they are harder to kill with traps. A mouse trap will not be able to kill a rat for example. On top of that, rats have neophobia, which is a fear of anything that is new in their environment. This means that they will avoid traps for a certain period of time, until they get used to their presence. Mice on the other hand are easier to kill with traps and they are more curious by nature.

Rats learn from their mistakes

A Norway rat will never make the same mistake twice. If a rat escapes a trap with its life, it will then avoid similar traps in the future. To make matters worse, they also learn from each other’s mistakes. When a rat sees a trap kill another rat, it will avoid that trap and that area, and it will also remember the scent of the bait that you used in the trap. So not only will you have to change traps routinely to keep them effective, you will also have to switch baits.

Dealing with a rat infestation

Not only are Norway rats capable of breeding rapidly, and spreading more diseases/causing more damage than mice, they are also harder to control. This is why it’s important to call over a pest control pro as soon as you notice the first signs of a rat infestation. Contact us today if you suspect that you have a rat infestation and we will help you remove it.