Did you notice some droppings in your living space? Are you confused whether the poop you saw is from a squirrel or a rat? Don’t worry; you came to the right place. We will help you find the answer to the difference between squirrel poop and rat poop.
While the appearance of squirrel and rat droppings is not a pleasant subject, it is critical, especially if we are talking about infestation. Their feces are a clue that they are just at the corners of your home.
In this post, you will learn the difference between squirrel and rat droppings. Let’s start!
Common FAQ’s About Squirrel and Rat Poop
1.What does squirrel poop look like?
3.Squirrel poop vs rat poop?
4.What does rat poop look like?
5.Fresh rat poop? What does it look like?
Key Factors to Distinguish Squirrel Poop and Rat Poop
Why should you exert effort comparing squirrel and rat droppings? Once you figure the difference between the two, deciding the best pest control solution to try is a lot easier.
When it comes to the distinction between the two droppings, you have to consider their physical differences. You also need to compare the types of viruses or bacteria they potentially carry.
Color
First, let’s discuss the most obvious factor – color. In a matter of a glance, you can already notice that they look the same. However, if you look closer, you will realize a significant difference in color between the two droppings.
Squirrel poop comes with a paler color than those of rats. It is also often brownish and sometimes with a little bit of a red hue. Rat feces are noticeable for their darker color, which is already almost black. The difference between the colors is due to the diets they consume. Rats are known to eat nearly anything and have a more diverse diet than squirrels.
Shape
The next factor you should be aware of when comparing the two types of droppings is the shape. At first glance, the squirrel and rat feces look like raisins.
The squirrel poop is often larger than a rat poop. It is also more barrel-shaped and looks even, leveling on the surface. Meanwhile, rat poop has an oblong shape. It seems almost rectangular because it lacks sharp edges. It tends to be smooth, but not as even as the squirrels expel.
Edges
Now, let’s talk about the edges. The edges’ contour also helps distinguish the droppings of these two animals. Squirrel feces nearly have softer and more circular ends. On the other hand, rat droppings are often pointy on each end and thicker in the middle.
Volume
Volume is the only factor that squirrel and rat droppings are in common. Both of them pass a considerable amount of poop daily. So, you might not need to focus on this element if you want to determine what type of infestation is happening on your property.
Distribution
The distribution of the feces is also an important consideration. Squirrel poop tends to be clustered in particular areas. Squirrels are known to be more discrete with regard to the spots where they leave droppings behind. Plus, expect that their droppings are not scattered throughout the place.
As for the rat feces, they spread out along the walkway courses. Rats tend to expel droppings indiscriminately.
The Dangers of Squirrel Poop
You and squirrels may not come into conflict with each other often, but once you have a direct contact with their droppings, your health may be at risk. Squirrel droppings carry different diseases.
The disease transmission from squirrel poop to humans is not a common scenario. But, you have to be extra careful because their droppings can still cause health problems to humans. Below are the diseases that a squirrel carries:
- Leptospirosis
- Tularemia
- Salmonella
The Dangers of Rat Poop
Just like squirrel droppings, rat poop also carries leptospirosis and salmonella. Additionally, rat feces also carry hantavirus. So, ensure not to have a direct contact with these faces to protect yourself against diseases.
Squirrel and Rat Droppings Dust
Once the droppings of squirrel or rat dry out, you will notice that they crumble. Then, they release dust into the air. Rat poop crumbles quickly than the squirrel poop.
Once the feces of these two animals crumble, and the released dust becomes airborne, the dust contains hazardous pathogens. Once you breathe in the dust that includes these pathogens, you will become infected. This infection may lead to serious health problems. So, ensure to avoid inhaling this dust.
If you plan to clean the droppings, ensure to wear protective gear. Before cleaning, ensure to air out the place for about 30 minutes. Then, wear a mask, respirator, and gloves. Remove the droppings and spray a disinfectant in the area.
Wait for about five minutes before cleaning the area with paper towels or disposable cloth. Put the droppings and paper towel or cloth in a sealed plastic bag. Throw it away in a trash can. Do not forget to cover it securely.
Let Professionals Handle Your Pest Problems
After identifying the difference between rat and squirrel droppings, the next thing you should do is to get rid of the rats or squirrels. Since you can already say which infestation occurs in your property, knowing which solution you should try is a lot easier.
If you let a professional pest control company handle your situation, rest assured that you can get rid of them quickly. They can also help you remove the droppings safely if you do not want to get exposed to them.
Synergy2 Pest Control will help you solve any pest problem, whether it is squirrel or rat infestation. We have complete tools, experience, knowledge, and solutions, so you can have peace of mind that your property will soon be pest-free.
We understand the hassle and danger that rat or squirrel poop can bring. That is why we want to help you get rid of rats or squirrels as soon as possible to prevent a worst-case scenario from happening. By hiring us as your partner in solving the pest problem, you can stay in a safe and healthy space.
Do not hesitate to visit our official website for more information. You can also contact us today and schedule a visit.
Synergy² Pest Control Jackson MS
If you’re looking for the right team to handle the issue for you, Synergy² is here to help. We provide trusted services throughout the area, so contact us for the best pest control services around.
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