Home is where the heart is. You can’t be at peace at home if there’s a rodent infestation.
The presence of rodents in homes is a major public health concern as they can transmit diseases. Data shows that about 14 million homes have a rodent issue.
Your home may have rodents and you might not know it. Rodents are good at hiding, but there are ways of determining if there’s an infestation.
You must look for rodent infestation signs. Read on to learn about seven rodent infestation signs you should be looking out for.
1. Rodent Droppings
A sure-fire way to tell if you have rodents in your home is by looking for rodent droppings. Rodents don’t care where they defecate. These animals will leave behind a lot of fecal matter, making it easy to determine if they’re in your home.
The droppings left by mice and rats are the size of a piece of rice. You might find most of their droppings in and around the kitchen. Look for the droppings in the cabinets and drawers.
It’s also common for rodents to leave a trail of droppings. Don’t mistake the droppings for crumbs or dirt. If you see droppings, it’s a sign telling you to take action and hire a pest control service.
2. Chew Marks
Walk around your home. Do you see chew or gnaw marks anywhere? If you see any, it’s a sign you have a rodent infestation in your home.
Rodents love to gnaw on things like cardboard and wood. They also love to bite on electrical wires and other materials. If you find any of these materials lying around, critters may be sneaking around your home.
3. Small Holes Through the Home
Keep walking around your home. Are there any small holes present? If you find any holes, you must cover them up ASAP.
Holes in windows and doors are an ideal way for rodents to get inside your home. The same goes for holes in the walls that allow rodents to go in and out without being seen.
Even the smallest holes are an entryway for rodents seeking to get into your home. You may not believe a hole the size of a pencil eraser tip is of concern. A mouse can enter your home through that hole with ease.
4. Nesting Evidence
When rats make their way into your home, they’ll likely find a hiding place. Next thing you know, the rats will be building a nest.
Most rats will burrow below ground, but some will nest in attics. You don’t want to have rats in your attic as they are prolific vermin. They can breed throughout the year if there’s adequate food and shelter.
If you have mice in the house, they may be nesting in your kitchen. Mice love to build their nests close to warm objects. Look for them near your refrigerators and oven.
Nesting evidence to look for includes shredded paper and insulation. Pieces of clothing can also serve as perfect nesting material for these rodents.
5. Odd Noises and Sounds
Do you hear odd noises and sounds at night? Those noises and sounds that are keeping you up at night might not be part of your imagination. It could be signs that rodents are living in your home.
Rodents are more active at night. This is the time they search for food. If you wake up in the middle of the night to go to your kitchen, you might even see one.
Rodents aren’t silent. If you listen closely, you may hear them as they move about. These creatures will squeak or make scratching sounds. These noises can come from your walls, basement, or attic.
6. Grease Markings
Pests can be sneaky. They know they can’t get caught or else their days are numbered. Some make their way around your home without leaving evidence, but some do leave a path behind.
Rodents can leave behind grease marks. These are tracks they make as with their oily fur.
You can expect to find grease marks on surfaces where mice and rats rub up against. These surfaces include baseboards and floors. The greasy streaks can linger on surfaces for some time.
7. Pet Behavior
Do you have a dog or cat? Your pet may alert you to the presence of rodents. Their behavior can let you know if there’s an issue.
Pay close attention to your pet. Is your pet scratching at the wall? Is your pet sniffing around a lot at the baseboards?
Keep in mind these are spots where rodents love to hide. If Fido is doing these things, follow-up in the areas to see if there are rodents there.
If you have a cat, your cat may end up finding one of the rats for you. Cats are quick to find these pests.
Do you see any of these seven rodent infestation signs in your home? If you have a rodent infestation, you’ll need these pest control services.
Pay Attention to These Rodent Infestation Signs
Even if you don’t see rats or mice running around your home, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Rodents are good at hiding, so you must know how to determine if you have a rodent infestation.
These are the seven rodent infestation signs to look for. If rodents are a problem, you must call a pest control company right away.
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