7 Tell-Tale Signs Of A Rodent Infestation

Mice & Rats: The 7 Most Common Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Winter is officially here, and the holidays are just around the corner. Winter mean cooler temperatures, festive gatherings and cozy nights. Who doesn’t love this time of year?

While cooler weather is a welcome break from the heat of summer, there is one downside to the change in the thermometer. Namely, this is the time of year when rodents are the most likely to find a way into your home, build a nest, and begin to reproduce.

Think you might already have a mouse or rat infestation? Rodent control starts with a thorough inspection of your home. While it’s a good idea to work with a professional like Home Pest Control for best results, it’s possible to perform an inspection on your own. If you think you might be dealing with rodents, look for these 7 common signs to be sure. 

Rodent Droppings

One of the easiest ways to tell if you’ve got mice or rats is by looking for their droppings. Rodents leave behind a lot of fecal matter, making it easy to identify them based on this sign alone.

Mouse droppings are smaller than those left behind by rats, although both tend to look quite similar. Droppings from mice are usually about ¼” long, whereas rat droppings can be ½” - ¾” long. Their droppings are shaped like rice, and can be found scattered around cabinets and drawers in your kitchen or on the floor in your basement or attic.

Chew Marks

Take a look around your home. Do you see chew marks anywhere? Mice and rats like to gnaw on things, and they’ll leave behind chew marks on cardboard, wood, electrical wires, soap, and other materials in your home.

Pet Behavior

Sometimes, your dog or cat will let you know that you’re dealing with a rodent problem. If you notice one of your household pets scratching at the wall or sniffing around baseboards, it may be due to rodents inside the structure of your home.

Sounds & Noises

Rodents are active at night, and they’re far from silent. If you listen closely in the evening, you may be able to hear mice or rats inside your home. They’ll often make squeaking or scratching sounds, and you can hear these noises emanating from your walls, basement, or attic.

Mouse and Rat Nests

Did you know that both mice and rats build nests? It’s true: they actually take up permanent residence in your home! Rats will tend to burrow below ground, although some will build nests in your attic. Meanwhile, mice often build nests out of shredded materials such as cardboard or paper. They tend to construct their nests near warm objects such as hot water heaters, refrigerators, or ovens.

Grease Markings

Believe it or not, rodents actually leave behind so-called “grease marks.” This is due to their oily fur. When mice or rats rub up against baseboards or other surfaces in your home, they can create greasy streaks that will linger for some time.

Rodent Holes

Both mice and rats love to chew, and they often bore holes in various parts of your home. If you notice small holes chewed through cardboard, drywall, wood, or other materials, you may have a rodent infestation. 

The Key to Rodent Control

So, you think you have a rodent infestation after all. How do you get rid of mice or rats? What’s the best way to approach rodent control?

To longer you wait, the harder mouse control becomes. Don’t let your infestation get out of hand. Here at Home Pest Control, our rodent control professionals can take care of your rat or mouse infestation right away. Call us today to learn more.