Unwanted Guests: Noticed Any of These 5 Signs of a Mice Invasion?

If someone is dealing with a mouse or rat problem in their home, they are likely calling the pest control professional right away for assistance unless they take some prevention measures. However, how can someone be sure that all the rodents were eliminated? For example, are the droppings beneath the cabinets new or old? When it comes to rodents, there is no room for error.

When it comes to rodents, take advice from Animal Control Specialists and get to know the signs of a problem. Keep reading to learn what these signs are.

1. Rodent Droppings

Fresh droppings will be moist and dark. As the droppings get older, they will begin to dry out, get old-looking and gray in color. They will also crumble if they are touched. In most cases, these are going to be found close to food packages, outdoor storage, in cupboards or drawers, and in hidden areas. Most droppings are going to be seen where the rodents are feeding or nesting. This is why it is a good idea to closely inspect the area where these are found to figure out if they are from an old or new infestation.

2. Gnaw Marks

Unlike the issue mentioned above, gnaw marks are going to be much lighter in color and they will get darker the older they get. Usually, these marks are seen on food packaging and the actual structure of the house. One method to figure out the age of these marks is to compare the gnaw mark just found with those that someone knows are older. If new marks are lighter in the color, it could be a sign of an ongoing infestation. The marks can also be an indication of if the problem is mice or rats.

3. A Bad Smell

Dogs and cats may become more excited or active in an area where rodents are located. This is caused by the odor the rodents emit, which will usually be present when they first get into the house. If someone notices their pet has started to paw at a location they were not interested in before, the issue may be a rodent.

4. The presence of Runways and Tracks

If mice are active in a home, the tracks and runways are usually distinctive. They will become less obvious as more time passes. Runways and tracks can be detected using a flashlight or even a blacklight. Usually, they are smudge marks, urine stains, droppings, and footprints.

5. Nests

Rodents are going to use materials like dried plant matter, fabric, and shredded paper to make their nests. If the areas mentioned above have a nest, then there is a good chance there is an active infestation in the home. Be sure to call a pest control professional to ensure that the desired results are achieved.

Don’t wait to deal with a rodent issue. As time passes, the problem will get worse and cause more problems for homeowners. Rats and mice carry disease and they can be dangerous, so taking care of the problem as soon as possible is highly recommended. In most cases, pest control professionals will be able to handle the situation and take steps to minimize issues both now and prevent problems from popping up in the future. Keep this in mind to handle a rodent issue.