A recent Klang Valley survey shows a growing population of rodents, largely found at dirty eateries and recreational areas, which can lead to leptospirosis outbreaks

Mouse

Rat

Malay name :

Tikus

Tikus

Size:

Sparrow sized

Sexually dimorphic, avg. 1/2 kg

Best known species:

Common House Mouse

Black Rat ,Brown Rat

Identification Method:

Small feces

Larger feces

Head Attributes:

Small, triangular, small relative to body

Short, stubby, broad, large relative to body

Muzzle Attributes:

Narrow with sharp muzzle

Large and blunt with wide muzzle

Ears:

Ears are large relative to the head.

Ears are small relative to the head.

Life Span:

Avg. 1.5-2.5 Years

Avg. 2-3 Years

Tail:

A mouse is small and has a skinny tail.

A rat is bigger and has a thicker tail.

Digging burrows:

Mice do not dig deep and even if they do so, they may dig only to about a foot.

Rats dig deep and long burrows.

Eyes:

Slightly bigger compared to head

Small compared to head