Squirrel Poop vs. Rat Poop: Distinguishing the Feces of Your Neighborhood Rodents

Squirrel poop and rat poop have a few characteristics that make them different. Regarding color, squirrel poop is typically brown, while rat poop is a darker brown or black. Squirrel poop also has a higher concentration of nutrients and minerals than rat poop, as squirrel feces are high in protein and contain more nuts than rat feces. 

Also, rat feces carry more parasite eggs than squirrel feces. In addition, squirrel droppings are more minor than rats, and their feces contain more seeds.

The Key Differences Between Squirrel Poop and Rat Poop

Smell

The main difference between squirrel poops and rat poops is the smell: squirrel feces smells earthy while rat feces smells rank. The ratio of nitrogen to phosphorous in squirrel poop is different from rat poop, which affects its smell.

Additionally, squirrels bury their food while rats devour it; this is why squirrel poop smells different than rat poop.

Size

Squirrel poop is much smaller in size than rat poop. Squirrels are omnivores; their diet includes plants and meat, which explains their small poop. Rat poop, on the other hand, is more significant because it mostly eats meat and has a different digestive system that helps it break down food properly.

Shape

Squirrel feces and rat feces have distinct shapes, but they are both great for the environment. Squirrel poop is typically round, while rat feces is more of an oval shape. 

Content 

Both types of feces can contain seeds, wood, or other plant matter, which makes them beneficial to the environment. 

Squirrels eat nuts, acorns, fruit, etc., so their droppings are pretty nutritious. Rat droppings, on the other hand, are mainly made up of food they’ve eaten recently (i.e., pellets). They also leave behind urine and feces, which usually contain more significant amounts of bacteria than squirrel droppings. 

In addition, squirrel poop tends to have more nutrients, while rat poop has more parasites and bacteria. 

Texture

Rat feces tend to be larger and have a more uniform texture. On the other hand, Squirrel feces are generally smaller in size and have a granular texture. 

Color

Squirrel feces vary in color depending on the animal that deposited them. Rat feces are typically darker in color and have larger pieces, making them more challenging to process. Overall, squirrel droppings tend to be lighter in color than rat droppings.

Identifying and Managing Rat Poop

What Rat Poop Looks Like

Rat droppings may look different depending on the rat’s diet; thus, knowing what kind of rodent is around can help make informed decisions about actions to take. For example, if you know a rat is living in trees or attic spaces, its feces might have wood fibers, giving it a distinctive appearance under a microscope. 

Rat feces also tend to have more hair and bones, making them easier to identify, and they also tend to have a dark color. 

Where You Can Find Rat Poop

Rat poop can be found in most places where rats live – in sewers, attics, and other areas. Avoid contact with rat poop if you don’t want to get sick.

What to Do if You Touch Rat Poop

If you come into contact with rat poop, it is essential to take precautions. Wash your hands thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary. Rat droppings may contain parasites that can infect humans and even be fatal if not treated properly. 

How to Clean Up Rat Poop

When cleaning rat poop, a few options are available – water or enzymatic cleaner. Regardless of your chosen method, you must be careful not to get sick. 

Make sure you wear gloves when cleaning up rat droppings, as this will protect your hands and keep the droppings from getting on you and other surfaces. Rat feces generally contains bacteria that can be harmful both to humans and animals – so make sure to take these precautions when dealing with rat poop!

Identifying and Managing Squirrel Poop

What Squirrel Poop Looks Like

Squirrel droppings can often be easily distinguished from rodents like rats by their size – squirrel droppings tend to be smaller. Another distinctive feature is how squirrels build nests; rat droppings are generally spread around, while squirrel nests are more organized. In addition, the feces of squirrels can vary in color and composition.

How to Clean Up Squirrel Poop

Squirrel poop is a nuisance that needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible. Here are four tips on how to clean it up: 

1. Use a shovel or rake to remove any feces left behind by the squirrels, and make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies! 

2. Clean areas where the squirrels have been food caching – this could include trees and bushes; be particularly careful around bird feeders since these can attract other pests too! 

3. Remember that keeping your property clean is vital for preventing pest problems like squirrel poop in the first place! Keep your gutters clear, vacuum regularly, and do not leave food out unattended to prevent rodent infestation from happening in the first place! 

4. If you see squirrels nearby, remember that they will produce droppings sporadically (usually during afternoon hours). Just keep an eye out for them, so you don’t have any surprises when it comes time to clean up their mess!