Four Signs Of A Rodent Infestation
Rats and mice are two of the most common types of pests which may take up residence within your home and are also two of the most harmful. They can carry a wide variety of diseases, cause structural damage to your home and furniture, and even get into your stored food. If they go unnoticed for long enough, they can quickly breed in the dark areas throughout your home, turning a small family of rodents into a full-blown infestation. Fortunately, the following are four common signs of a rodent infestation that you can watch out for, allowing you to contact an exterminator at the first sign of rats or mice in your home.
Droppings
The first sign that you will likely notice if rats or mice have taken up residence somewhere in your home are droppings. Rodent fecal matter all appears like small, hardened dark pellets, and will usually be found in out of the way areas near food sources, like around trash cans, in your cabinets, and under furniture or along the baseboards.
Chew Marks
Another clear indication of rats or mice in your home is if there are signs of chewing throughout your house. This can take many different forms: newspapers and other soft materials are commonly chewed up for nesting materials, whereas electrical wires are usually chewed on for recreation. In fact, rodents can chew entirely through wires, sometimes electrocuting themselves in the process, so you may find a dead rat or mouse next to a lamp that is no longer functioning.
Track Marks
Beyond chewing, rodents will also leave behind track marks or runs in your home along the most commonly traveled areas, much like traffic highways. These marks are black or dark gray in color and are caused by rodents rubbing up against surfaces as they move, leaving behind dirt and oil from their fur. You'll notice them commonly around your baseboards and other low-lying surfaces in your home.
Noises in the Night
Finally, one of the most common signs of a rodent population in your home are constant noises throughout the night. Since rats and mice are both nocturnal, they won't start moving until after you've gone to bed. This means that if you hear scampering, light thuds, or any other sounds of constant movement while you try to fall asleep, you likely need to get in touch with a mice extermination company as soon as possible.