Rats and mice are both part of the rodent family, but if you spot one scurrying along a hedgerow or rustling in the undergrowth, how do you know which one it is?
Though closely related, rats and mice have several key differences – from their size and colouring to the shape of their snouts and even the number of droppings they leave behind.
Of the 18 rodent species found in Britain, just two are rats and four are mice. Other native rodents include dormice, voles, red and grey squirrels, and the European beaver. But rats and mice are among the most commonly encountered, turning up in gardens, farms, field edges and even homes.
Here's how to tell these two elusive and often misunderstood rodents apart.
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How are rats and mice similar?
- Both are nocturnal, most active at night
- Both have similar colourings – typically grey, brown or white – though black rats are also found in some areas
- Both have long tails and sharp incisors that never stop growing
What are the differences between rats and mice?
- Size: Mice are much smaller, measuring 12–20cm including the tail. Rats can grow to 40cm or more.
- Weight: Rats are considerably heavier, often weighing more than twice as much as a mouse.
- Tail: A mouse’s tail is thin and covered in hair; a rat’s tail is thicker, scaly and hairless.
- Snout: Mice have a narrow, pointed snout with prominent whiskers, while rats have a broader, blunter nose.
- Droppings: Mice are prolific – producing between 40 and 100 droppings a day. Rats tend to leave behind 20 to 50.