Have you ever seen a mouse or rat in your home and wondered how they got in? You’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves dealing with rodents at some point, and it’s important to know the signs so you can take action quickly. We’ll discuss the most common signs of rodents in your home so you can identify them and take steps for effective rodent removal.
1. Rodent Droppings and Urine
One of the most common signs of rodents in your home is finding their droppings. Mouse droppings are small, black, and pellet-shaped, while rat droppings are larger, darker, and oblong. You might find droppings in cupboards, on countertops, or in pantries where food is stored.
In addition to droppings, you might also find urine stains from rodents. These will be small, dark stains that have a strong odor. You might find them on floorboards, walls, or in corners where rodents like to travel.
2. Chewing Damage
Another common sign of rodents is damage from chewing. Rodents need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth sharp, and they’ll chew on just about anything in your home. You might find chewed holes in walls, floors, furniture, or even electrical wiring. Rodents can cause a lot of damage in your home, so it’s crucial to be on the lookout for chewing damage and get a rodent removal specialist to get rid of them once and for all.
3. Grease Marks and Nests
Rodents are very oily creatures, leaving greasy marks wherever they travel. These marks are usually dark and smudgy, and you might find them on walls, floors, or in cabinets. If you see grease marks, it’s a good indication that you have rodents in your home. Rodents will also often build nests in your home out of materials like insulation, paper, or cloth. You might find nests in attics, crawl spaces, or the back of closets. If you find a nest, it’s a good idea to call a pest extermination professional to help with removal.
4. Strange Noises
Rodents are nocturnal creatures, so you might hear them moving around at night. You might hear them scratching in the walls, chewing on things, or scurrying across the floor. If you hear strange noises in your home at night, it’s a good idea to investigate and see if you can find where the noise is coming from.
5. Food Scraps
Food scraps are another common sign of rodents in your home. Mice and rats come into our homes for the food, so it’s not surprising that you might find food scraps around. You might find bits of food on the floor or in cabinets. If you find mouse or rat droppings near food, it’s a good indication that they’ve been feeding on your food. This is a health hazard, so it’s vital to take action right away and get rid of them.
6. Live or Dead Mice
Of course, one of the most obvious signs of rodents in your home is seeing a live mouse or rat. If you see one scurrying around, it’s a good indication that there are more where that came from. You might also find dead mice in your home. Mice can die from traps, poison, or other causes, and their bodies will start to decompose quickly. If you find a dead mouse, clean it up immediately and take steps to prevent more mice from entering your home.
These are just a few of the most common signs of rodents in your home. If you see any of these signs, it’s essential to take action right away and call a pest extermination professional. Rodents can cause a lot of damage to your home and pose a serious health hazard, so it’s crucial to get rid of them as soon as possible.