Rodents are known for being elusive and stealthy creatures, making it difficult to know if they’re taking up residence inside your home. If you think you’re the victim of a rodent infestation, it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem before they can cause extensive damage.
Most house mice are only two to three inches in size, making them challenging to notice. However, it’s important to note that size isn’t an obstacle for these pests. While many Norway rats (which are also known as sewer rats) are known for having seven to nine-inch-long bodies, they can fit into incredibly small spaces as well — including any holes leading into your home.
Do you suspect you’re dealing with rats or mice? It’s easy to panic. Fortunately, there are a few signs of rodent infestations you can keep an eye out for.
Let’s go over five warning signs that indicate a rodent problem is currently at hand.
Small Droppings
Although rodents might be sneaky, they often leave behind a trail in the form of droppings. If you suspect you’re dealing with an infestation, the first thing you’ll want to do is check your cabinets and drawers for small, dark-colored droppings the size of rice grains.
The presence of droppings is one of the most common warning signs that indicate a rodent problem. You’ll also want to clean up the area as soon as possible — but utilize caution. Rodent droppings can carry diseases or viruses, especially if they are fresh. It’s a good idea to use a pair of gloves and a mask when cleaning up.
Musky Odors
Have you noticed a strange, musky smell inside your house? Unfortunately, this is also one of the most notable warning signs that indicate a rodent problem. While rat droppings can contribute to this foul smell, it can also be caused by urine and the rodent’s natural odor.
If this smell continues to worsen with time, it’s important to act quickly. As you can probably imagine, the odors can become more intense as the infestation continues to grow.
Nighttime Noises
Mice and rats are most active at night, and they often make themselves known while you’re trying to sleep. When nighttime rolls around, listen for any scratching, gnawing, and scurrying inside your walls. You might even hear the sound of tearing and crinkling since rodents will shred paper or use grass and other items to build their nests.
Although this is one of the most common signs of rodent infestations, it can be easy to mistake a different type of animal for mice or rats. Since these rodents are nocturnal creatures, you’ll want to make sure the sounds you hear are mostly present at night. If the sounds are most noticeable during the day, you could be dealing with another animal — such as a squirrel.
Gnaw Marks
As a homeowner, the last thing you want to encounter is rodent-related damage to your walls, clothes, furniture, and wooden items. However, it can happen to anyone — and it could be occurring inside your home without you being aware of it.
If you suspect you have a rodent infestation, perform a thorough inspection of your house. Keep an eye out for small holes, gnaw marks, and any other type of hastily-made entry point. Smaller gnaw marks are typically left behind by mice, while larger, more noticeable marks are usually caused by rats.
Gnaw marks are one of the most prominent warning signs, but it’s never too late to address the problem. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a Fresno exterminator for an effective solution. A pest control expert can help identify the rodents you’re dealing with and provide a comprehensive treatment plan.
Tampered Food
When any kind of pest enters your home, there’s a good chance that one of their first courses of action will be to seek out a food source. One of the top signs of rodent infestations is tampered or gnawed-through food packages. Do a quick sweep through your pantry and cabinets for any opened containers or cardboard boxes.
If you suspect you have a rodent infestation, you’ll want to eliminate as many potential food and water sources as possible. Don’t leave any food out on counters, and quickly clean up any spills when they occur.
Get Rid of Rodents With Dustin Pest Control
Now that you know the most common signs of rodent infestations, you might feel confident that you have mice or rats living inside your home. If this is the case, turn to Dustin Pest Control for professional rodent control services.
Mouse droppings, damaged food containers, and strange scurrying noises at night are all indications that you need the help of a pest control expert. Whether you ask a neighbor, friend, or the National Pest Management Association, there’s a good chance they’ll all tell you the same thing: act quickly.
Don’t let a rat or mouse infestation disrupt your life. Contact us right away to schedule a rodent control service you can trust.