Do you feel like you have tiny guests in your house? Have you spotted unusual marks on your countertops, shelves, and walls?

Have you seen movement out of the corner of your eye?

Maybe rats and mice have moved in and you just haven’t noticed it yet. Don’t delay, take immediate action. Left unchecked, an Infestation can lead to property destruction, health problems, and even displacement.

This guide will help you understand how to recognize potential signs of a Rodent Infestation in your home. Learn to spot an invasion and take action fast.

1. Droppings

Rodent droppings can vary in shape and size depending on the species of Rodent, but they are usually dark, small, and pellet-like in appearance. They are most commonly seen in places where food is stored or prepared, such as in pantries, cupboards, and near food containers.

Rodents may also leave behind smears of urine and feces, which can easily be seen on surfaces and along baseboards. Take care when cleaning up droppings as they may contain disease-causing bacteria.

Look for other signs of a rodent infestation along baseboards, in attic spaces, beneath floors, around entry points, and in surface cracks. A combination of these all indicates a rodent problem in your home.

2. Gnaw Marks

Rodents need to continually gnaw to keep their constantly growing teeth from becoming too long. Common gnaw marks can indicate a small rodent such as a mouse or a larger rodent, such as a rat. You may find gnaw marks on food containers, wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring.

These marks can be circular or linear in shape, indicating different types of rodents. Gnaw marks should prompt you to look for other evidence of a rodent infestation such as droppings, nests, tracks, and even sounds. Addressing an infestation early can save you time and money, so if you suspect a rodent infestation, look for the signs of gnaw marks.

3. Chewed Packaging and Food Containers

Rats and mice may enter your home in search of food, water, and warmth, often leaving signs of their presence behind. One of the clearest signs of a rodent infestation is chewed packaging and food containers.

Crumb-sized pieces of cardboard, plastic, and even food wrappers littering your kitchen counters is a major symptom. This is because rodents love to chew through containers to get at the tasty treats stored within.

If you can find frayed holes in your containers, this is also a sign of a rodent infestation, as they can fit in tight spaces and have sharp incisor teeth that can cause extensive damage. Pay close attention to any chew marks or fraying threads in your packaging and food containers, as this is a sure sign of potential rodent infestation.

4. Unusual Noises

Notable noises are scratching, scurrying, and gnawing. Rats and mice are active mostly at nighttime, and their scratching, scurrying, and gnawing can be heard in walls or attics. This might be louder in quiet environments, such as when you’re in bed trying to sleep.

Mice can also make a squeaking sound, and their droppings can make a rattling noise when they hit the ground. If any of these noises are heard, likely rodents are living in the home.

It is important to take action against the infestation promptly to prevent the problem from escalating. While unusual noises can be an early sign, you may want to do your own pest control.

5. Nests

These nests are often found in areas where the rodents seek shelter, such as in dark corners, behind furniture, in laundry rooms, and inside walls and attics. Nests can be made from various materials, such as shredded paper, debris, and insulation, and often have a musty smell. Rodents have nests around because they are seeking warmth and safe spots to build a habitat for procreation and their reproduction cycle. 

6. Foul Odors

Rodents will use their urine to mark their territory, and their droppings can also create a foul odor. In addition, if the infestation becomes worse, the rodents may die in your walls and other hard-to-reach places, and the decomposing rodents will create an even more offensive smell.

If you start to notice a foul odor that wasn’t there before or has become more intense, you may have a rodent infestation. If the smell persists, it is important to take action immediately by contacting a professional exterminator or taking measures to capture and remove the rodents.

7. Unusual Pet Behavior

Among the many signs of rodents includes your pet’s behavior that becomes unusual. Your pet may become suddenly more alert and aware of its environment or become overly protective and territorial. They may attempt to dig into areas of the home that usually have nothing of interest, barking or meowing more than usual, or acting aggressively.

If your pet is exhibiting unusual behavior, and you’ve noticed any of the previously mentioned signs, it might be worth checking for rodent activity in your home. They may not only damage things but can be harmful to your pet as well.

Rodents can taint pet food, spread fleas and mites, and cause respiratory problems or viruses. It is important to seek help as soon as possible for a successful, long-term resolution to any rodent concerns and the safety of your fur baby.

Know the Signs of a Rodent Infestation in Your Home

Rodent infestation is a serious risk to health and property. Taking preventive measures is crucial to avoid rodent presence.

Regularly inspect your home for evidence of rodents and take immediate action if you find any. Don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand – act now and rid your home of these pesky pests!

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