Rodents in the Shadows: How to Spot and Stop an Infestation Early
It’s possible for mice and rats to enter through tiny cracks and many homeowners do not notice it until it’s late. Insects destroy property, bring illness and create a threatening environment. Being aware of these signs of rodent infestation lets you deal with them right away and keeps more damage from happening.
Find the Droppings and Tracks
Rodent droppings are usually the first warning you should watch for:
- Mouse droppings are little and resemble grains of rice.
- Rat droppings are usually sausage-shaped and larger than mouse droppings.
They are commonly hidden close to food, under sinks or inside cabinets. Be sure to look at these places often.
Look for signs of dirt, grease or small footprints on walls. Rats leave smudges and characteristic tail tracks because they often follow the same routes. You can follow the animal by sprinkling talcum powder or flour on the ground.
Notice Chewed Things and Nesting Places
Rodents keep chewing almost all the time. Because of this, their teeth will not grow excessively long.
It is possible to point out:
- Damage on food boxes or plastic containers found to be bite marks
- Sagging or broken wires
- Injury to wooden items, paper or fabrics
- If wires are chewed, it can cause wires to short circuit or start a fire
Typically, soft materials like paper, cloth, and insulation are used by rodents to construct their nests. Typically, they are kept in hidden locations such as:
- Crawl spaces
- Behind appliances
- Outside closets or drawers
When you find a nest, it means the rodents have decided to live there.
Hear the Surroundings and also Smell Any Changes
When it gets dark, rodents are typically awake. Make sure you watch out for:
- Sounds of animals or insects scurrying (scratching) inside walls or ceilings
- Sounds coming from places you cannot see
If you listen for these unusual sounds after dark, rodents may be living in your house.
There could also be a noticeable musty odor. The longer rodent pee and droppings are kept out, the worse the odor becomes. Should a room develop an unpleasant odor, carefully check what the problem might be.
Keep Rodents Away with Fast, Easy Steps
Right after you spot signs of rats or mice, deal with the problem as soon as possible. Protecting against waste is simpler than cleaning up the mess afterwards.
- Begins by blocking off the places where the insects come in.
- Seal all holes or gaps by the doors, pipes and windows.
Do your best to keep personal belongings out of your place:
- Keep food in sealed containers.
- Food must not be left out for more than one night.
- Regularly empty the trash.
- Get rid of places where rodents prefer to hide.
Always Move Ahead
Rodents are very good at reproducing. What starts out as a small issue might rapidly grow into a major infestation after just a few weeks. Pay attention to the first indications of a rodent problem and regularly inspect places such as basements, attics and storage areas.
If bugs are still causing issues, hiring a professional might be the next step. If you are aware and take action fast, you can keep your home in order, secure and not infested with rodents.
