Signs you Have a Rodent Infestation

No one wants to deal with a rodent infestation since they can carry many different diseases.  Many homeowners will not be aware they even have a problem until it gets really bad.  One of the main reasons is because rats and mice are nocturnal, so you probably will not spot many during the day.

However, you do not actually have to see one of these rodents to know they are there.  They will leave behind a few signs signaling their presence.  Here are some of the signs you should be on the lookout for.

The main sign you have a rodent infestation is the presence of rodent droppings.  You can tell whether rats or mice are the problem by the size and shape of the droppings.  They are usually found along walls, in cabinets and cupboards, and in closets and boxes.

Rodents will also build a nest somewhere in your home.  They use grass, twigs, fabric, paper, and other types of soft materials to build these nests.  You should check in boxes, cabinets, closets, and even appliances for the presence of these nests.

Some homeowners become aware they have a rodent infestation whenever they notice things being gnawed on.  Rats and mice have constantly growing incisors which they keep under control by gnawing on things like furniture, fabric, paper, and plastic.  You do not want them to gnaw on electrical wiring in your home since this can lead to fires.

You should also be aware rodents leave grease marks wherever they travel.  You may notice this grease along walls and floorboards since their fur will rub up against them as they move along.  There will also be grease marks around the openings they have made into their home. 

One of the next signs you have a rodent problem is the presence of an odor, yet you cannot find the source.  If you have rodents in your home then they will generate a musky odor around your home.  You will definitely want to get rid of them after being exposed to this odor after a while.

If you have a rodent infestation it probably will not be enough to use standard traps.  Chemicals would work much better since they can target more than one rodent at a time.  However, their application can be dangerous especially if there are small children and pets in the household.  You should call in a pest control professional to deal with your rodent infestation.