Differentiating Rat Poop vs Mouse Poop: Signs of Infestation

Rat poop looks like mice poop, but there are ways in which you can tell the difference. Rat droppings tend to be slightly larger than mouse poops and they also have ridges on them that make it easy for you to identify whether what you’ve seen is a rat dropping rather than one from a mouse.

Rat feces are also dark brown in colour and have a stronger, more pungent smell than mice feces. Rat droppings are typically found near the nest or hole of rats rather than out in the open like mice tend to do with their poops. If you find dark smears along surfaces where rodents usually travel, then it is likely rat poop as well.

Mice poop tends to be much smaller than rat droppings and they also have a smoother exterior. Mouse feces are frequently found in the open areas, away from where mice nests typically reside. If you find mouse droppings along surfaces that these rodents use as travel routes, then it is likely another small rodent such as a rat.

The rodent droppings are more frequently found near the nest and holes of rats while mouse feces can be located almost anywhere.

The rodent feces look like small round pellets – has pointed ends while the other is slightly flat. Rat droppings are usually found in groups or clusters while mouse feces tend to be spread out more across the floor.

Rat poop can contain dangerous parasites and diseases like rat lungworm, Rat Bite Fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis) which is transmitted through bites and scratches from infected animals, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) which can be contracted by inhaling dust particles contaminated with mice droppings and Salmonella bacteria.

Rat feces can also be a source of Eosinophilic Meningitis which is an infection of the thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. Rat droppings may also cause Leptospirosis (Leptospira bacteria), another potential health hazard caused by rat poop exposure. Most of these parasites and diseases are transmitted through ingestion or inhalation; not contact.

Rat poop is also known to carry the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis in humans. Rat feces may also contain Rat-bite fever which is a bacterial disease transmitted through bites and scratches from the animals.

Mouse poop does not carry any diseases that can be passed on to humans but are still considered pests as they contaminate food sources with their droppings, urine, and hair.

Signs of a rat infestation include gnawed marks on cereal boxes, plastic bottles etc., bags and other household items made of paper such as cereal boxes, cracker packages, or food packaging. Rat gnaw marks look like clean semicircular cuts which are usually found on the edges of containers.

You might notice small round holes in bags and containers while you stored them away as mice love to chew through paper products for nesting materials and for gaining access to food sources. Mouse gnaw marks are round holes with rough jagged edges that can be found in a cluster pattern.

Sightings of rat and mouse poop pellets throughout your home like near the kitchen or pantry areas. Rat droppings are usually found in group clusters while mouse feces tend to be spread out more across the floor.

Wear gloves before you pick up Rat poop or droppings with paper towels, disposable rubber gloves or a shovel to avoid direct contact. Pick it all up and double bag it in thick plastic bags for disposal. 

If there is an open wound on your hand, make sure you disinfect it thoroughly. You can also use gloves soaked in bleach solution for cleaning the area but be sure to wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

Do not sweep it under the carpet as this will only attract other rodents like rats and mice. Also, do not vacuum it up because there is a risk of spreading diseases through dust particles.