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No, mice do not become rats. While their similarities may make them appear to be the same animal at first, they are distinct in their appearance, behaviors, and the strategies used to remove them. Juvenile rats that have not reached their full adult size may be roughly the same size as mice, making them hard to tell apart.

Besides checking your pet’s fur, you can use two other tests to find fleas in your home: the white sock test and the water and lamp test.

To perform the white sock test, simply put on a pair of long white socks and drag your feet along the carpets in your home. Fleas will gravitate to the heat created by your socks. The water and lamp test involves placing a bowl of water on the floor and shining a light over it. Fleas will then be attracted to the light and land in the bowl of water.

Common signs of a flea infestation include pets scratching or grooming excessively, visible fleas on pets, and red spots or bites on the skin of both pets and people. You may also notice dark spots on your pet’s fur, known as “flea dirt,” which is flea feces. Itching and irritation for both you and your pets are also strong indicators of an infestation.

The time it takes for termites to damage a house varies, but it generally does not happen within days or weeks. Significant structural damage typically takes several months or years to occur, with serious damage often taking 3 to 8 years. The rate of destruction depends on factors like the termite colony's size and maturity, the type of wood they are feeding on, and local conditions. It can take 3 to 5 years for damage to become visible and 5 to 6 years for the home's structural integrity to be compromised. However, some species, such as Subterranean termites, are more destructive and can cause extensive damage in as little as 2 years. Because of this risk, it is important to treat your home as soon as you notice any signs of termites.