Mouse or rat? How to tell the difference

The house mouse measures 6-10 cm (without the tail), leaves rice-grain droppings and slips through a 6 mm hole. The Norway rat is much larger, its droppings are 1-2 cm, it burrows and runs along foundations. Treatment differs by species.

A female mouse can have 5 to 10 litters a year. A few individuals become an infestation in one quarter.

The 5 signs of an infestation

  • Droppings along walls, under the sink, in drawers.
  • Running or scratching noises in walls and ceilings at night.
  • Chewed food packaging, wires or insulation.
  • Grease marks and runways along baseboards.
  • Persistent ammonia-like urine smell.

Why traps alone are never enough

Store traps and poisons kill a few rodents but don't close the access points: the colony rebuilds through the same holes. Worse, a poisoned rat dying inside a wall creates odours and flies for weeks. The key is sealing the entry points, which DIY solutions ignore.

What a professional protocol does

Full inspection, locked bait stations (child/pet-safe), targeted traps, then systematic sealing of conduits, cracks and door gaps, plus a follow-up visit. It's the elimination + exclusion combo that solves it for good, with a written guarantee.

A pest problem at your place?

Clear diagnosis, quote from $99, written guarantee. Service within 24h across the Greater Montreal area.

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Frequently asked questions

Are rodents dangerous to health?

Yes: they contaminate food and surfaces (salmonella, hantavirus), and their droppings are allergens. Chewed wires are also a real fire hazard.

How long to eliminate an infestation?

Usually 2 to 4 weeks depending on extent: active elimination then sealing and a follow-up visit to confirm no return.

How much is rodent control?

From about $99 depending on the species, area and number of access points to seal. Detailed quote after inspection, no commitment.

Are baits safe with kids or a dog?

Yes: we use locked stations and Health Canada-approved products placed out of reach. Household safety is part of the protocol.