It’s a nerve-wracking moment for any homeowner to discover the presence of pests, but perhaps even worse is never discovering the infestation in the first place. If left unattended, a rodent problem, in particular, can provide to be a dangerous and costly issue to deal with. However, if caught early, measures can be taken to prevent a full-on invasion of rats or mice. Here are a few things to look for if you think you might have a rodent problem in your home.
Droppings
This is perhaps the easiest place to start with your home inspection for rodents. Because rodents lack the ability to hold in waste, their excrement can be found anywhere they have wandered around and is a positive sign that there are rodents in the home.
When inspecting, pay special attention to dark and hidden areas, like in cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom, or corners of your closet. If the droppings are small and pointed on the ends, this indicates the presence of mice. If the droppings are larger, about half an inch, and round at the ends, this most likely indicates a rat problem. Fresh droppings are shiny and soft; old droppings will be dull and crumbly. If you notice more and more droppings, there is most likely a large infestation. Large amounts of droppings usually indicate where the rodents spend most of their time and is a good place to put down traps.
Smell
While the rodents themselves don’t always necessarily smell, a strong musky odor indicates the presence of rodent urine. You may even see the remnants of dried urine spots, especially in dark and hidden areas.
Bite Marks
Rats and mice use their teeth as tools and will gnaw through wood if they want to get from one place to another. Check for mouse or rat holes along the bottom of your walls, particularly in hidden areas. Mouse holes will be quite small, about the size of a dime, while rat holes can be a bit larger, around the size of a quarter. The hole will not be smooth but have rough edges.
Rodents also gnaw wood to trim down their teeth since they grow constantly and can cause injury if left to grow. Check for random bite or gnaw marks, as these could reveal a rodent problem.
Nests
During the colder months, mice and rats will enter the home in search of warmth. IF they get too comfortable, they will most likely begin nesting, which includes bringing in materials they find throughout the house. If you find shredded paper, bits of string, or other soft materials around, it’s possible that a rodent is setting up his own home in your walls.
Noise
Mice and rats are not quiet. With all of their gnawing, digging, nesting, and roaming, you will most likely hear their claws or teeth against the inside of your walls or under your floors. Rodents are nocturnal, so if you’re hearing more scratching than bumping in the night, you could have a pest problem.
Contact The Cape Cod Pest Removal Experts
A & M Pest Control proudly serves the Cape Cod area and its residents with their pest control needs. We only provide highly-effective and environmentally-friendly pest solutions in order to protect you, your household, your business and the environment we live in. If you are having pest control problems, call us directly at (508) 237-9536, or contact us today!
