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Sure, mice and rats are cute when they’re running around in cages, or in a field far away from where you live. However, finding a mouse in the house can be a major source of disgust. Rodents carry disease and can be dangerous if you live with children or pets. According to the CCD, there are 11 or more conditions known to be directly transmitted by rodents. These diseases include Lassa Fever, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Rat-Bite Fever, and The Plague. That information alone would make anyone want to start a full-on investigation of their home.
- Droppings
One of the most visible indications of a rodent infestation are the dropping they leave behind. Rats and mice are filthy and will do their business where they eat. So you may want to look for signs of mice near food sources.
If the droppings you see are pellets about the size and shape of a grain of rice, you may have rats or mice. If the droppings are gray or white, that may be an indication of past infestation.
Rodents will also leave behind urine, but the only way to spot that is with a black light. If you really want to gross yourself out, try using a black light around your kitchen, or where you suspect you have a problem.
- Food leavings
Mice will chew through containers and bags to get to their food source. Look for holes in bags of pet food or your own pantry items. Crumbs and seed hulls could be a sign of a rodent infestation.
- Scratching sounds at night
If you hear scratching or pitter-pattering in your walls or ceilings, you may have rodents living with you. If you hear these sounds at night, make note of the location and see if a pattern develops. This is a good way to track down their nests.
- Nests
Rats will use a variety of materials for their nests. Materials include cardboard, paper, insulation, clothing, and other soft things that a rodent can use to make a comfy bed.
- Footprints/traffic patterns
Mice and rats leave dirty footprints, or greasy marks when and where they travel. Because they have very specific patterns, you’ll be able to see these along baseboards, in basements, or other less-used areas of your home.
- What to do if you have rodents
Eradicating rodents can be tricky. Sometimes we’ll cause more problems trying to get rid of mice or rats ourselves.
A professional pest control service, like San Joaquin Pest Control has been helping keep homes like your rodent-free for over 40 years. We have access to the best tools to help get rid of or prevent a rodent problem.
