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To determine if you have a rat or mouse infestation, look for several key differences. The most obvious is the size of the rodent: rats are significantly larger with thicker bodies, while mice are much smaller and more slender. You can also identify them by their droppings; rat droppings are larger and rounder, about the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are smaller, like a grain of rice, and often have pointed ends. Other signs include the sounds they make, as rats produce louder scratching and gnawing noises due to their size. Behaviorally, rats tend to be more cautious, whereas mice are more curious and might be seen more often. Additionally, rat nests are typically larger than those of mice. If you are unable to see the pest or find clear evidence, a professional inspection can provide a definitive identification.

Not only are mice clever, they are also adept at squeezing in tiny cracks to get into your home. Figuring out how rodents are getting in is key to getting rid of mice quickly and humanely. Check these areas for entry points:

• Basement or crawl space

• The garage 

• Gaps in the foundation

• The roof or attic

• Underneath and around pipes, drains, electrical wiring, and gas lines

• Around doors and windows

• Baseboards

• Kitchen cabinets

• Behind appliances

• Air vents

If a coyote approaches you, never run away, even if it goes against your natural instinct. Make yourself look big, shout loudly, and throw something in the coyote's direction. Be persistent and continue these scare tactics until they move away. Then, you should move away slowly, always facing the coyote.

You can get rid of raccoons quickly by making your home an undesirable place to live. Here are the best ways to get rid of raccoons fast:

• Repair broken vents and screens leading to your home.

• Seal open access points into your home. Many raccoons sneak in through the attic, roof, or chimney.

• Trim trees and branches so raccoons don’t have easy access to your roof and chimney. 

• Thoroughly clean out garbage cans, remove all trash, and secure the bins.

• Don’t keep food or water outside.

• Add raccoon guards to outdoor bird feeders. 

• Clean up brush around your home—raccoons like to gather loose yard materials for bedding.