While discussing animal feces is far from pleasant, determining its source can be important, especially when deciding whether the feces around your home are from squirrels or mice. Understanding the key differences between squirrel and mouse feces can help you pinpoint which rodent is causing the problem.
color of feces
At first glance, squirrel and mouse droppings may look very similar, but color can be a useful clue. Squirrel droppings tend to be lighter in color, usually brown or reddish , reflecting their more limited diet compared to mice. On the other hand, mouse droppings are usually darker, often black or dark brown due to their more diverse diet.
| rodent types | fecal color |
|---|---|
| Squirrel droppings | Brown, red |
| rat droppings | Black, dark brown |
The shape and size of feces
The shape of your droppings can also give you clues about which rodent has visited your space. Squirrel droppings are typically more barrel-shaped and slightly larger than mouse droppings, although the size difference is not significant. Squirrel droppings usually have a uniform and smooth surface. In contrast, mouse droppings tend to be more rectangular and elongated , with a more pronounced texture.
| rodent types | fecal shape |
|---|---|
| Squirrel droppings | Barrel-shaped with a flat surface |
| rat droppings | rectangle, rectangle |
edge of feces
A key characteristic for identifying the source of feces is the edge . Mouse droppings typically have sharp edges and a thicker center . Squirrel droppings, on the other hand, usually have softer, rounder edges, making them easier to distinguish from mouse droppings.
| rodent types | edge of feces |
|---|---|
| Squirrel droppings | Soft, rounded edges |
| rat droppings | Sharp, thick center |
Fecal distribution pattern
Another important difference is the distribution of droppings. Squirrel droppings usually appear in clusters in a few specific locations. They tend to be inconspicuous and are usually concentrated in one area. In contrast, rat droppings are more likely to be scattered throughout the area, appearing in various locations. This is because rats tend to roam around and leave droppings in multiple places.
| rodent types | Fecal distribution |
|---|---|
| Squirrel droppings | Gathering, dispersing |
| rat droppings | Dispersed, ubiquitous |
Bowel movement frequency
Both squirrels and mice are frequent defecation animals , and you might find that both of these rodents produce a lot of feces. Their constant chewing and active lifestyles result in large quantities of feces. Although the frequency is similar, differences in size, shape, and distribution are key to identifying which rodent leaves feces.
