Top Signs of a Rodent Infestation in Your Home
Rodents are more than just a household nuisance—they can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. Mice, rats, and other rodents often find their way indoors in search of food, warmth, and shelter, especially as the seasons change. If left unchecked, a rodent infestation can escalate quickly, making it essential to spot the signs early and take immediate action. At Critter Control, we specialize in identifying and eliminating rodent problems to keep your home safe. Below are the top signs that you may have a rodent infestation in your home.
Rodent Droppings
One of the most common signs of a rodent infestation is the presence of droppings. Rodent droppings are small, dark, and pellet-shaped, often found near food sources like pantries, cupboards, or under sinks. Fresh droppings are typically moist and shiny, while older ones become dry and crumbly. The amount and location of droppings can give you a good indication of the size and activity of the rodent population.
Gnaw Marks
Rodents have a constant need to chew to keep their teeth from growing too long. As a result, you may notice gnaw marks on food packaging, baseboards, furniture, and even electrical wires. Fresh gnaw marks are usually lighter in color and can darken over time. Be cautious if you notice chewed electrical wires, as this can create a fire hazard.
Scratching or Scurrying Sounds
Rodents are nocturnal, so you’re more likely to hear them at night. If you hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from your walls, ceilings, or attic, it’s a strong indicator that you have rodents moving around in your home. These sounds are often the result of rodents traveling through walls or across attic spaces in search of food or nesting materials.
Foul Odors
A strong, musky odor can often signal a rodent infestation. This smell comes from the urine, droppings, and nesting materials that rodents leave behind. As the infestation grows, the odor becomes more noticeable. In severe cases, the smell of decaying rodents can also contribute to the foul odor in certain areas of your home.
Nests and Nesting Materials
Rodents build nests out of soft materials like shredded paper, fabric, and insulation. These nests are typically hidden in dark, secluded areas such as attics, crawl spaces, behind appliances, or inside wall voids. If you come across a nest, it’s a clear sign that rodents are living and possibly breeding in your home.
Tracks and Grease Marks
Rodents frequently travel the same routes along walls or baseboards, leaving behind grease marks from their fur or visible tracks in dusty areas. You may also find smudges or dark streaks on walls, as rodents rub their bodies against surfaces while moving through your home. In particularly dusty areas, you might even spot small footprints or tail marks.
Unexplained Holes and Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through tiny openings to gain access to your home. If you notice small holes or gaps in your walls, floors, or around doors and windows, these could be entry points for rodents. Mice can fit through openings as small as a dime, while rats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter.
Unusual Pet Behavior
If you have pets, they might detect a rodent infestation before you do. Dogs and cats may become fixated on certain areas of your home, such as walls, cabinets, or under appliances, where rodents may be hiding. If your pet exhibits sudden changes in behavior, such as excessive pawing or barking at specific spots, it could indicate rodent activity.
Seeing a Live or Dead Rodent
While spotting a live or dead rodent is an obvious sign of an infestation, seeing one in your home often indicates that there are more. Rodents are social creatures, and where there is one, there are usually many more hiding. Don’t wait for multiple sightings to take action—addressing the problem at the first sign can prevent a full-blown infestation.
What to Do If You Suspect a Rodent Infestation
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the problem from worsening. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and a small infestation can grow into a large one in a short period of time.
At Critter Control, we offer comprehensive rodent control services, including inspections, removal, and prevention strategies to ensure your home stays rodent-free. Our trained technicians will identify the source of the infestation, safely remove the rodents, and seal potential entry points to keep them from coming back. We also provide exclusion and sanitation services to restore the safety and cleanliness of your home.
Rodent infestations can cause significant damage to your home and threaten your health and safety. By recognizing the signs early, you can take steps to eliminate the problem before it spirals out of control. If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Critter Control for expert help. Our team is ready to provide fast, effective solutions to protect your home and give you peace of mind.