Rodents are more likely to find their way into your home during the winter when they are looking for a nest, but they could be attracted to your living space at any time of the year. Rodents can enter any house and it does not always mean that the house is dirty or not looked after, although trash and food lying around will certainly attract them more. Rodent control starts with a full inspection of your home, and it’s important to know what common signs to look out for so that you can determine if you are dealing with rodents.
Droppings
One of the most common tell-tale signs of rodents in a home is droppings. Mice and rats in particular will leave a lot of fecal matter behind, which makes them easy to identify. While both types of droppings tend to look similar, mouse droppings are usually smaller compared to rat droppings. They are shaped similar to rice and will often be found on the floor in your attic or basement, or around drawers and cabinets in your kitchen.
Pet Behavior
If you have a pet at home, look out for any changes to their normal behavior that could be a sign you are dealing with rodents in the property. If you have a cat or dog at home and you have noticed that they are sniffing around baseboards or scratching at the walls more often than usual, it could be a sign of rodents nesting inside the structure of your home.
Rodent Holes
Since both rats and mice love to chew, they may bore holes in various parts of your home. They are especially likely to show up in materials made from wood, drywall, and cardboard although they might be chewed through some other materials. If you have begun to notice small holes appearing from nowhere, you might have a rodent infestation. Another thing to look out for is chew marks from where mice and rats have gnawed on items.
Nests
Both rats and mice will build nests and take up residence in your home. Rats tend to burrow below the ground, although they might build nests in an attic or loft area. AtticProjectsCompany.com can remove rodents nesting in your attic. On the other hand, mice tend to shred materials like paper or carboard to build nests out of. They also prefer to build their nests close to warm objects like ovens, refrigerators, and water heaters.
Sounds
Rodents tend to be at their most active during the night, and they are definitely not quiet. If you are dealing with a rodent problem in your home, you may be able to hear this at night. Rodents will often make scratching or squeaking sounds, and you may hear these sounds more frequently coming from the walls, attic, or basement.
Rodents can easily enter your home and are more likely to come in during the winter when they are looking for somewhere warm to build a nest. Knowing the telltale signs of a rodent infestation will help you get the problem under control quickly.
