How Do I Know If I Have A Rodent Problem?
Unless there is a large infestation, you may never see a mouse or rat. Look for signs of a rat or mouse infestation, such as the following:
- Stale odors emanate from concealed areas.
- Chewing marks on food packaging.
- Cupboards, food packages, drawers, and under the sink have rodent droppings.
- Holes have been chewed into the walls and floors, forming entry points into the house.
- Shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter can be used as nesting material.
Learn More: Rodent Control FAQ
Scratching And Scurrying Noises
Suppose you’re hearing scratching noises and scurrying sounds in particular. Mice or rats are most likely the sources of your problem. You’ll typically hear rodents around bedtime and late at night. Occasionally they can be heard during the day if the house is silent. You’ll hear a faint scratching sound that’s only heard in one spot. The source is usually your walls, ceiling, or attic (if you are sitting in an upstairs room). Mice are very quiet animals, so you won’t hear them very often.
Rubbing Marks
Where rodents travel along walls, oily rub marks are left. Rub marks that smear indicate that they are new. Teeth marks on the wood in and around the house are also a warning sign. Rats leave tooth marks that are about an eighth of an inch long, while mice leave minor scratch marks.
Rodent Entry Holes
Dirt, waste, and grease are all tracked by rats. They also can chew through wood and concrete. Rat holes are unsightly and dangerous; not only do they allow other pests to enter, but they can also cause short-circuit fires if rats gnaw on electrical wires.
Finding rat holes may be more complicated than you think. Locate any holes, paying special attention to areas where bricks, wood, or tile may have rotted. Rat holes can be found between the floorboards or in unusual places like closets. Rodents are attracted to cluttered areas, as well as areas near water pipes. Rats may also use gas pipe entry holes behind stoves.
Rodent Feces And Urine
A fairly common sign of a rodent infestation is finding mouse or rat droppings around the house. These pellets, which are about 3-6 mm long, are frequently discovered in places where food is stored, such as kitchen cabinets or pantries. Mouse droppings can also be found under sinks, inside chewed cardboard boxes, along baseboards, and on top of wall beams by homeowners.
Mouse feces can carry harmful bacteria, spread diseases like salmonella and Hantavirus, and cause allergies. Mice can produce more than 50 droppings per day, so removing them quickly is critical to keeping your family protected against the health risks posed by these critters.
Rodent Nesting Materials
Rodents look for warm, dry areas to build their nests for their young. Fabric scraps, shredded paper, and cardboard are used to construct nests. They prefer to keep their nests hidden because they don’t want them disturbed. Rat nests thrive in crawlspaces, the space between your walls, and even utility closets.
Rats commonly nest outside and, if they can, make trips inside for things like food. A nest could be found beneath your porch, in a four-season or three-season room, in your garage, or in a garden shed.
If you come across a rodent nest, don’t disturb it because it can be dangerous to your health if you don’t have the proper equipment. Instead, contact a wildlife control company to take care of the problem. They will be able to assess the severity of the rat problem more accurately.
What To Do If You See Evidence Of A Rodent Infestation?
Identifying the correct rodent culprit and comprehending their behavior can aid in selecting the appropriate rodent control solution and the prevention of future infestations. Animals Happen can send a rodent control expert to your home to conduct a thorough inspection and determine if rodents infest your home. Give us a call right away for professional rodent removal services.