About 14.8 million American households saw rodents in the last 12 months. These rodents can cause major property damage and pose certain health risks to people and pets.
Rats and mice seek shelter in warm, cozy areas of homes, generally the kitchen or basement. They leave behind infection-causing urine and feces, particularly in places with easy access to food.
In addition, certain signs of mouse or rat activity include unexplained noises and foul smells.
Here’s a closer look at how to spot rodent infestation signs in your home.
1. Unusual Droppings
You may not always see rodents scurrying through your home, but you can often identify their presence by the droppings they leave behind. Rodent droppings are small and oval-shaped with pointed ends.
They are usually dark brown or black, but may also be lighter in color. If you see fresh rodent droppings in your home, it’s a sure sign that you have an infestation.
2. Strange Noises
Rodents are nocturnal creatures, so you will often hear them moving around at night. If you hear scratching, gnawing, or squeaking noises coming from your walls, ceilings, or floors, it is a good indication that you have a rodent problem.
A rodent infestation can quickly become a serious health and safety hazard. If you see any of these signs, it is important to take action right away.
3. Nests or Burrows
Rodents like to build their nests in hidden, dark places, and burrow into soft ground to create their homes. This can include your walls, floors, ceilings, and even furniture. If you see any signs of nesting or burrowing, it’s time to call the best rodent removal company to get rid of them.
4. Damage to Food or Property
One of the first signs of a rodent infestation is damage to food or property. Rodents are attracted to food, so they will often gnaw on food packaging or containers. They may also gnaw on wood, wires, or other materials in your home to create nesting materials or to gain access to food sources.
This damage can be costly to repair. It’s important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
5. Seeing Live or Dead Rodents in Your Home
If you see a live or dead rodent in your home, it’s important to take action to prevent an infestation. Rodents can carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans, so it’s important to remove them as quickly as possible.
Call a professional rodent control company to come and inspect your home and remove the rodents. Take action to prevent an infestation by sealing up any holes or cracks that rodents could use to get into your home.
The Dangers of a Rodent Infestation
One of the most common ways to tell if you have a rodent infestation in your home is by the droppings that you’ll find. Rodents are also known to chew on things in your home, so you may notice holes in walls or food packaging. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to call a pest control professional to have them removed.
Check out our other helpful articles on pest control, home improvement, and cleaning.
