Too often, homeowners don’t notice the signs of rodents until the problem is severe. Don’t be too quick to write off strange scratching noises in the wall or unusual odors. What may seem like a minor inconvenience can quickly escalate into a full-blown and costly infestation. With nearly half of rodent issues happening in the fall and winter, now is the time to be alert. Keep reading to learn how to recognize the early signs of rodents and protect your home and family.
5 Signs of Rodent Infestation
While preventative rodent maintenance and keeping a clean house are both important ways to prevent a rodent infestation, it’s still crucial to watch for these telltale signs of rodents in your home:
1. Droppings: Rodent droppings aren’t just gross, they’re a health hazard. Be on the lookout for small, pellet-like droppings, especially near food storage areas, under sinks, or along walls. Inside drawers is another common place you might find droppings. Mouse droppings look like black grains or rice, while rats have larger, capsule-shaped droppings. Remember, rodent droppings can transmit diseases like hantavirus, so take special care when cleaning up after rodents or call a professional.
2. Gnaw Marks: Rodents constantly gnaw to keep their teeth from growing too long. Look for chewed electrical wires, furniture, baseboards, and food packaging. Gnawing doesn’t just have the potential to ruin furniture and baseboards, it can destroy your home. It’s estimated that rodents cause 20% of undetermined fires in the U.S.
3. Unusual Noises: If you hear scratching or scurrying sounds coming from your walls, attic, or ceilings, it could be rodents. Especially if you hear the noises at night when rodents are most active.
4. Nests: Rodents love to build nests and will use shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and other soft materials (and flammable!) materials. Homeowners often uncover these nests hidden in areas like attics, behind appliances, or in cluttered storage spaces.
5. Foul Odors: Did you know rodents use scent to communicate with each other? That’s why a musky odor may indicate an infestation. Keep an eye out for other signs like the smell of urine, and in some cases, a strong, foul odor may indicate a rodent has died within the walls or under the floors.
Additional Signs of Rodents
While those are the five key signs, some others could also spell trouble. Be on the lookout for:
- Rub marks: Rodent fur is oily and they can leave grease or dirt marks along walls.
- Holes in walls. Mice may chew holes in walls or floorboards, causing damage and creating new entry points.
- Tracks: Since mice tend to stick to the same routes, you might see footprints.
- An actual rodent. If you see an actual rodent, it’s time to act. Remember mice breed rapidly — a female house mouse can give birth to six babies every three weeks!
Don’t Take Chances, Call in the Pros
Don’t risk handling a rodent infestation on your own. Not only can it be dangerous, but rodents reproduce quickly, and DIY methods often fall short. Let the experts at Ford’s Hometown Services handle it safely and efficiently. Call us today at 800-649-9992 or request an online quote to protect your home before the problem escalates.