Rodents vs. Mice: What’s the Difference?
When people call Andover Pest Control about scratching sounds in the walls or droppings under the sink, they often say:
"I think I have mice… or maybe some other kind of rodent?"
It’s a common mix-up—after all, mice are rodents, but not all rodents are mice. Understanding the difference is important if you want to stop an infestation at the source.
So let’s break it down: What makes a mouse different from other rodents, like rats? And why does it matter for your home in the Andovers area or surrounding Essex County towns?
Mice: The Smallest and Most Common Rodents Indoors
Type: House mice
Size: 2–4 inches (not including tail)
Tail: Long, skinny, and covered in fine hair
Behavior: Curious, fast-moving, and excellent climbers
Where they hide: Inside cabinets, wall voids, insulation
Signs: Tiny droppings, shredded paper nests, chew marks on food packages
Mice are among the most common household rodents in Massachusetts—and they're often the ones sneaking into kitchens and pantries.
Rats: Larger Rodents with Bigger Problems
Type: Norway rats (most common in our area)
Size: 6–10 inches long (plus thick tail)
Tail: Scaly, shorter than the body
Behavior: Cautious, destructive, and strong chewers
Where they hide: Basements, attics, crawlspaces, and garages
Signs: Larger droppings, gnaw marks on wood and plastic, foul odor, grease smudges along walls
Rats are larger and tougher to deal with. When these rodents invade, they bring bigger risks—including structural damage and fire hazards from chewing through wires.
Why Rodent Identification Matters
Different rodents mean different problems. Mice and rats don’t behave the same, don’t eat the same things, and don’t respond to the same traps or bait.
Misidentifying the rodent in your home can lead to:
Wasted time and ineffective treatments
New entry points going unnoticed
Growing infestations behind your walls
Noises in attic could be of severals issues for example, mice, bats, squirrels, etc
That’s why proper rodent identification—and a targeted control plan—is critical for lasting results.
What to Do If You Suspect Rodents
Don’t ignore the signs: droppings, noises, or chewed wires need fast attention
Avoid DIY guesswork—especially with pets or kids at home
Call Andover Pest Control MA license professional, WE who understands the behavior and biology of rodents in North Andover homes
Trusted Rodent Control in North Andover & Nearby Towns
At Andover Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and removing rodents of all kinds—from house mice to Norway rats, to bats, to squirrels We serve homeowners across the Andover’s MA (01810, 01845) and throughout Essex County, —including, Boxford, Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, Chelmsford, Billerica, Tewksbury, Middleton, Methuen, Haverhill, Lowel, Georgetown, and other communities within a 20-mile radius.
Our solutions are family-safe, discreet, and designed to eliminate rodents at the source—not just cover up the symptoms.
Call Andover Pest Control today for expert rodent identification and control in North Andover and beyond.