What's the difference between mice and rats?

Rats vs Mice. Learn to tell the difference between a mouse and a rat. Comparison of distinguishing features. Orkin can help you get rid of rodent problems. read more

One of the most important differences in behavior between mice and rats is that mice are curious and rats are cautious: Rats are very careful and will choose to avoid new things in their path until they have had time to get used to them being there. read more

Differences Between Rats and Mice Mice. Size: House mice measure 12 to 20 cm in length, including the tail, and weigh 12 to 30 grams. Color: They may be white, brown or grey in color. Head: Their snouts are triangular and feature long whiskers. Tails: Mice have large, floppy ears and long, thin, hairy tails. read more

Differences between Norway rats and house mice Norway rats and house mice belong to different species. A species is a group of related individuals or populations which are potentially capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. read more

Like mice, rats are nocturnal, have very poor eyesight, but have very strong senses of smell, taste, and hearing. Compared to mice, rats are much larger, have coarser fur, and have proportionately larger heads and feet. The most common rat species in the U.S. are the Norway rat and the roof rat. read more

Mice and rats are both small furry rodents with long tails and beady eyes, which may be confused with each other by an amateur observer. They are completely different species with separate characteristics, however, and once you know the characteristics of each, you won't mix them up. read more