Mice and rats are not the easiest pests to find. They are generally nocturnal, running about to find food after you’ve gone to bed. They also try to stay out of busy areas and will flee if they sense danger. This is the reason that people can sometimes go for several months without realizing they have a rodent infestation.
But even if you don’t see a mouse or a rat, there can still be signs around your home that they have moved in. Knowing these signs can help you determine what type of invader you have so that you can take the right steps to quickly get rid of them.
Evidence of a Mice or Rat Infestation
The signs of rats or mice will vary slightly depending on how established the infestation is. An infestation in the early stages will be more subtle. Later on, damage will be both more intense and more widespread. While the infestation exists, you might notice:
- Droppings – Both mice and rats leave droppings resembling small pellets as they move around. You will find them in the secluded areas where rodents spend most of their time, such as behind cabinets or in undisturbed corners.
- Rustling Noises – As rodents move about behind walls, in the attic, or in cupboards, you may be able to hear the sounds of the claws as they run. These noises will be louder after dusk.
- Nests of Fibers – Rodents will collect material to make a nest, often using fabric or insulation. Finding a nest of these materials or noticing torn items around your home can be a sign of rats.
- Grease Marks on Walls – Rats excrete an oil that coats their fur. As they travel, some of the oil is left on the surfaces they rub against. These oil stains will turn greyish over time.
- Chewed Wood – Mice and rats chew almost constantly and will gnaw on wood and plastic. You might see furniture, walls, floorboards, or other areas of your house that have been chewed on by small teeth.
- Dead Rats or Mice – A growing infestation will eventually result in dead rodents, which often indicates that other live animals are hiding nearby.
- Flickering Lights – Mice can begin to chew on electrical wiring behind walls. If the chewing is bad enough, it can result in damage that hurts the functionality of your electrical system.
Rats and mice are not a pest you want in your home for any length of time. They are responsible for many diseases in people and family pets, and can also cause damage to the structure of your property. To limit these negative effects, avoid some of the most common mistakes with mice.
The most effective way to remove rodents is to contact professional pest control. At ADAPT Pest Management, we eliminate rodents by first inspecting your home to confirm the signs you noticed and which type of pest we’re dealing with. Then we lay traps baited specifically to attract the rodents in your home. Give us a call whenever you suspect that a mouse or rat is living in your attic or walls.
