There are a few signs you can look for when identifying rodent infestations. These include droppings, gnaw marks, holes, and nests. Rodents can be a severe threat to your home, as they carry diseases that can be passed on to humans and pets. They also can cause property damage.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Rodents list infestation can be challenging to detect. Rats and mice are nocturnal animals, often hidden out of sight. However, you may have an infestation if you notice rodent droppings in cupboards and cabinets or gnawing marks on food packaging. Droppings are usually located near where rodents are feeding or nesting. You’ll also want to check for holes in walls, floors, and ceilings. Rodents chew through anything they can to get their teeth on for food and water. Call a pest control company immediately if you find any signs in your home. You can also check for tracks or runways. Rodents move in and out of areas frequently, creating a trail as they travel from one place to another. These tracks are most easily seen with a flashlight at an angle to the suspected area.
Signs of Nesting
Rodent nests are usually made of shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter. Rodents build these nests to hide from predators and raise litter. They often place them in small, enclosed areas near food sources or under appliances. They may also be found in attics, basements, and other dark, undisturbed locations. Mice are nocturnal creatures and are most active during the night. They scavenge for food and nesting material when people are asleep. Signs of nesting include mouse or rat droppings around food packages, in drawers and cupboards, or under sinks. They also create small puddles of mouse urine typically found closer to their nesting site. They also gnaw on holes in walls and other internal structures to gain access to food and water. Their chewing can cause severe damage, especially if they get into electrical wiring. This could even cause sparks that lead to a house fire.
Signs of Feeding
Rodents eat various foods, including grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They also eat animal waste and fecal matter as a last resort. Signs of feeding include droppings, gnaw marks and holes, smears or urine stains, and tracks or runways. Rodents leave these trails as they travel along walls and bases, in cluttered areas, and around pipes, electrical wires, or conduits. Droppings are a clear sign of rodent activity and are usually found near food packages, in drawers or cupboards, or under sinks. Mouse poop can be small and scattered, while rat droppings may be larger and more concentrated. Gnaw marks are another sign of a rat infestation and can be found on wires, cardboard boxes, furniture, or wooden items in the attic. Chewing on wiring can lead to a fire or even burn down your home. Check your attic for signs of chewed insulation, too.
Signs of Damage
If you’ve recently discovered rodents in your home, one of the first things you may notice are signs of damage. This can include structural damage to beams, insulation, and pipes. They also have the power to chew through wires, electrical wiring, and furniture. This can make your property less energy efficient and even result in costly repairs. Rats and mice also carry several parasites, such as tapeworms, which can be transmitted to humans through the urine they leave behind. This can cause various symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting. Other signs of a rodent infestation include scratching noises and squeaks, most likely occurring at night. They are nocturnal and typically find their way into homes through open gaps or cracks. They can enter through doors, attached garages, and openings around drains and gutter guards. They also prefer to nest in dark, secluded places.
