Are Rats Smarter Than Mice?
One piece of wisdom that has endured throughout the ages is “know your enemy.” This holds true for combating pests as well. Today, let’s take a look at one of the most commonly encountered rodents… Rattus norvegicus, otherwise known as the common rat, which can also be known as brown or Norway rats.
What Rodent Is the Smartest?
Among common household pests, rats and mice are the most frequently encountered in the rodent family. Both are intelligent enough to pose a challenge, but our question today is, “Are rats or mice smarter?”
The winner is unanimously rats. MyAnimals lists rats as one of the six smartest rodents known, and mice appear nowhere on that list. Other than squirrels, homeowners do not frequently encounter the rest of the rodents listed – like the Mongolian gerbil.
Are Rats as Intelligent as People?
While considered among the ten most intelligent known species, the idea they might be as smart as humans seems laughable at first. However, while the answer is generally considered to be no… recent studies are casting doubt on that.
The Harvard Business Review has a fascinating interview with Dr. Ben Vermaercke, who, along with his colleagues at KU Leuven, has been doing cognitive studies of rats and humans. The short form is that rats seem to be better at information integration than people are. So, while the answer is “no,” the answer may change as more data is gathered.
How Smart Are Rats Compared to Other Animals?
Believe it or not, the common rat is often considered one of the smartest species on the planet. Experts consistently rank them alongside chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins, elephants, dogs, pigs, pigeons, and octopuses as the smartest known nonhuman species. Pet rats are well known for their capacity to learn tricks and solve puzzles. There are even similarities between the rat brain and the human brain, as Burgess Pet Care noted.
A Ph.D. study conducted by Dr. Ben Vermaercke and his colleagues at KU Leuven University in Belgium states:
“Even though the rat brain is smaller and less complex than the human brain, research has shown that the two are remarkably similar in structure and function. Both consist of a vast amount of highly connected neurons that are constantly talking to each other.”
Are Mice Smart Enough to Avoid Traps?
Yes and no. While mice are sometimes smart enough to avoid traps, it is not because they recognize them as dangerous. It is often something more subtle, like the lingering smell of human hands on the bait or the smell of dead mice on a reused trap. Being vastly more intelligent, rats can get wise to traps and know to avoid them.
Call Fox for All of Your Pest Control Needs
Don’t let rats or mice get comfortable in your home where they can chew wires and cause serious damage. If you suspect that you may have a rodent problem, contact Fox Pest Control today, your pest control and rodent solution across Long Island!
