Imagine that you’re cleaning your attic one day, and something catches your eye.
Droppings.
Charting a careful course between disturbed and disgusted, your first instinct might be to put on a pair of gloves and start spraying a cleaning solution. But not so fast.
Can you tell the difference between squirrel droppings vs. rat droppings?
While it might not seem like a big deal, the reality is that both of these species are troublesome household pests that can inflict property damage and spread disease. Without knowing what kind of pest is doing its business in your home, you can’t effectively treat it. Here’s everything you need to know about telling the two types of droppings apart, and how professional wildlife control can make all the difference in your detective work.
Squirrel Droppings vs. Rat Droppings: Why You Need to Know the Difference
Let’s be honest: nobody wants rodents living in their home, and it probably doesn’t make a difference to you whether it’s a furry-tailed squirrel or a fast-moving rat you’re dealing with. However, to get rid of either species, you need to know what exactly you’re up against. Misidentify the pest, and you’re wasting your time and resources by using ineffective strategies.
Of course, there are also health risks on the table here. Rat droppings are infamous for spreading diseases like leptospirosis and salmonellosis, and squirrel droppings aren’t off the hook in the pathogen department, either.
Both can contaminate surfaces, food, and the air, creating major risks for you and your family. When there are droppings around, leaving the problem unresolved means you’re gambling with your health, but also the health of your home. Squirrels and rats are both notorious chewers, capable of gnawing through wiring, furniture, insulation, and more.
Long story short, the devil is in the details with these two pests, and as far as identification goes, the details are in the poop.
Squirrel Droppings
Squirrel droppings are small and oblong, somewhat resembling round capsules. They look like nature’s tiny Tootsie Rolls, but far less appealing. Typically, they’re about ⅜” long with rounded edges and a smooth texture.
The color varies depending on how fresh they are. New droppings appear dark brown or almost black, while older ones fade to a lighter brown or gray as they dry out.
You can find these droppings in areas where squirrels are likely to frequent, such as attics, near vents, or around insulation. Attics are common nesting areas for squirrels, where they shove aside insulation and leave deposits of tiny droppings near their hiding spots. If you find droppings next to chewed-up materials like wood or paper, it’s likely squirrels you’re dealing with.
Spot squirrel droppings, and it’s unlikely they’re just passing through. In most cases, finding them means the squirrels are planning to stick around and are setting up their nesting areas.
Rat Droppings
Now, on to rats.
Rat droppings are somewhat bulkier and more consistent in shape than squirrel droppings. On average, they’re ½ to ¾” inch long and have pointed ends. Less smooth than squirrel droppings, they have a rougher texture.
Another indicator may be the quantity. Rats can produce up to 50 droppings daily, meaning you’re more likely to find them scattered across a variety of surfaces, like hidden spots near food or water sources.
Some common locations for rat droppings include dark, enclosed areas like basements, under appliances, and along baseboards. Rats tend to stick close to their food sources, so you may notice droppings in your kitchen or near pet food containers.
Fresh rat droppings are dark and moist, becoming dry and crumbly over time. Spotting droppings of varying sizes (some bigger, some smaller) can mean both adult and juvenile rats are present. This is bad news, as it means the scale of the infestation is likely growing.
Key Differences Between Squirrel Droppings vs. Rat Droppings
Ready to review?
When you’re comparing rat and squirrel droppings, the most notable distinctions to make will be in shape, size, and texture. Rat droppings are larger, have pointed ends, and appear in greater quantities (again, due to rats’ greater overall daily output). Squirrel droppings, on the other hand, are smaller with rounded edges and a smoother appearance.
Squirrel droppings tend to be found near nesting or chewing sites, often high up in the home, while rat droppings are usually scattered at lower levels, near food or water sources.
Still not sure what you’re up against? Snap a picture, then contact pest control. This simple step can save you time and lead to a quicker resolution of the problem.
What to Do if You Spot Droppings of Any Kind
Regardless of what kind of pest you’re dealing with, the most important thing is to avoid direct contact with any kind of animal droppings. Clean them up carefully, wearing gloves and ideally, a face mask, to minimize your exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. Disinfect the area thoroughly to eliminate any lingering contaminants.
Next, address the source. Many homeowners attempt a do-it-yourself approach by setting traps or baits, but when it comes to squirrels, you need to tread carefully. Trapping squirrels is subject to state laws and often requires a permit.
Without the proper approach, you also risk injury.
Rats might seem to be easier to trap, but their intelligence and tendency to avoid unfamiliar items (a trait called neophobia) can make it tricky to catch them without the right know-how.
How Connor’s Pest Pros Can Help
At Connor’s Pest Pros, we know just how frustrating it is to deal with a rodent infestation. Our team specializes in identifying pests of all kinds quickly and accurately so that we can provide you with targeted, effective solutions for the exact type of problem you’re dealing with. Whether it’s squirrels chewing through insulation or rats contaminating your kitchen, we’ve got the expertise to handle it all.
Our process starts with a careful inspection to figure out where the pests are entering your home, what’s attracting them, and where they’re nesting. From there, we craft a personalized plan that may include trapping, sealing entry points, and removing food and water sources. Most importantly, we make sure humane and legal methods are used for either squirrel or rat removal while also minimizing disruptions to your daily routine.
Rodents, whether it’s squirrels or rats you’re dealing with, don’t have to take over your home. With our help, you can protect your family from wildlife intruders of all kinds. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
