Rodent Infestation: How to Spot one in Your House

Rodents, including mice and rats, are known to fit through the tiniest holes, cracks and crevices to seek food and shelter. They almost always make themselves known and evidence of a rodent infestation will be very apparent. It is best to catch mice before they begin to nest and mate. Look for these six signs below to identify a rodent infestation in your home. If you think you have a problem, call a professional exterminator right away to identify the source of the issue and safely remove them and prevent future pest issues.

6 Sure Signs to Identify a Rodent Infestation

Gnaw Marks: Inspect your cabinets and pantry for bite marks on food containers and boxes. If you find any immediately discard the food and wash the container with hot soapy water. Pantry items like chips, cookies, grains and other items should be stored in a thick plastic container with tight fitting lids.

Fresh Droppings: This is the most common and easily noticed sign there are mice present in your home. Take notice of where these droppings occur and how often, if you see them daily call a pest control company immediately. Always wear gloves and a face mask when cleaning up rodent droppings and wash your hands afterwards.

Daytime Activity: When rodents freely move around your home during the day it means their nest is to the point where they no longer scavenge for food at night. If you see a mouse or hear scratching, scuffling noises during the day you have an infestation on your hands.

Smells: Usually your pet will pick up on the smell first, but over time you will start to notice a sour odor coming from a hidden location. This is a sign of either a dead rodent or the presence of urine/feces.

Holes in Walls or Flooring: Determined rodents will resort to chewing holes into your walls or floors to access a food source.

Rodent Nest: A nest is the largest and most obvious sign of a rodent infestation and must be addressed immediately. They are made using cardboard, packing material, fabric and other materials rodents can find. Look for these in dark secluded places like your attic or basement.

Mouse Prevention Tips

There are several DIY rodent prevention tips you can try including cleaning up any food debris & crumbs right away, laying down traps and sealing all holes and cracks throughout the interior & exterior of your property.  Learn some interesting rodent control facts that might help you learn why your home is attracting these pests. Following our Spring Pest Control Tips can help safeguard your home through the warmer months. Finally, call in a professional pest control company to humanely remove the rodents and prevent future infestations.