What type of damage should be identified to distinguish between rat and mouse infestations?

To effectively distinguish between rat and mouse infestations, identifying gnawing damage unique to each species is the most reliable method. Rats and mice have different behaviors, sizes, and gnawing patterns. For instance, rats tend to leave larger, more extensive gnaw marks due to their size and stronger jaws, while mice typically create smaller, more subtle gnawing damage. Understanding these specific characteristics allows for accurate identification of the type of rodent present, which is crucial for determining the appropriate control measures needed.

Other options may provide useful information in broader contexts—structural damage to walls or signs of claw marks could suggest rodent activity but do not uniquely identify the species. Similarly, while gnawing damage on doors can hint at rodent presence, it lacks the specificity required to differentiate between rat and mouse infestations, making the unique gnawing damage the critical factor for accurate identification.