How To Know You Have a Rodent Infestation

Rats and mice are big problems for homeowners as these pests can damage your home and make you sick. Knowing rodent infestation signs to look for is important to keeping your home pest-free. Thankfully, our detailed guide will explain how to identify mice and rats in your house, describe them, and provide effective removal methods.

Recognizing the Signs of Rodent Infestation

Spotting a rodent problem early is important to keeping your home healthy. Here are some signs to look out for!

1. Droppings

Droppings are a telltale sign that rodents are in your home. They are small, dark, and look like pellets. You might find them in pantries, cupboards, along baseboards, or in hidden corners. It’s important to notice them quickly to prevent bigger problems, as droppings can harm your health.

2. Gnaw Marks

Rats keep their teeth sharp by chewing on:

• Food Packaging
• Furniture
• Electrical Wires
• Wooden Beams
• Plastic Containers
• Cardboard Boxes

When you see rough, chewed spots, those gnaw marks mean rodents might be in your home. If you don’t fix the problem quickly, it can cause much damage. For example, chewed wires can start fires. Over 25% of house fires in Illinois are attributed to “unknown causes,” leading investigators to believe rodents started the fires.

3. Unusual Sounds

Rodents make noises like scratching, scurrying, or squeaking, which you might hear in walls, ceilings, or attics. These sounds can mean rodents are in your house, especially at night when they are most active. It’s important to check these noises immediately because they might mean the rodents are moving around, making nests, or looking for food.

4. Nests

Rodent nests often hide in dark, quiet places like basements, attics, or behind appliances. They consist of shredded paper, fabric, or dried plants, making a cozy spot for rodents to live. If you find a nest in your house, it might mean there are more rodents around.

5. Tracks and Runways

You can find where rodents have been by checking for tracks and runways in dusty areas like your basement, attic, or other rarely used places. A runway is a path that rodents often use, usually along walls or behind furniture. Look for small footprints or tail marks and smudge marks on walls and surfaces as signs of them.

Different Types of Rodents

Recognizing which rodents might invade your home is key to selecting the proper rodent control strategy. The most frequent offenders are:

• Rats. Larger than mice, rats tend to be more destructive and are often found in urban areas. Signs of rats in the house include larger droppings and more significant gnaw marks.
• Mice. Smaller and more agile, mice can infiltrate homes through very tiny openings. Signs you have mice include smaller droppings and nests made from finer materials.

Learn more about how rats and mice differ by visiting our blog today!

Effective Rodent Removal and Pest Control Strategies

When you find a rodent problem, you need to fix it quickly. The following are some key pest control tips to try.

1. Rodent Traps

You can solve rodent problems by using traps. Some types are:

• Snap Traps. These traps are a traditional and effective method for quickly killing rodents. Their simplicity makes them widely used in rodent control.
• Glue Traps. These traps catch rodents without killing them and are easy to use. They are popular because they are reliable.
• Live Catch Traps. These are a humane option for capturing rodents without harming them. They allow for their gentle release back into the wild and are ideal for situations where non-lethal methods are preferred.
• Electronic Traps. They are a new kind that uses electric shocks to kill rodents quickly.

To make sure the traps work well, they should be placed where rats and mice are active, and the right type and spot should be chosen for effective pest control for rodents.

2. Seal Entry Points

Sealing holes and cracks outside your home is important to prevent rodents from getting in. To keep rodents out, check your home often for new openings where they might get in. You can use materials like steel wool, caulk, and weather stripping to seal these spots.

3. Proper Sanitation

Keep your home clean and organized to keep rodents away. Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills quickly. Dispose of trash regularly to keep pests out. Cleaning up messes and crumbs right away helps keep your home rodent-free.

4. Professional Pest Control Services

Professional pest control is much better than doing it yourself when dealing with rodents. A professional solution saves you time, prevents health problems, and prevents further damage to your home. DIY methods might help for a little while, but they don’t fix the main problem, which means the rodents can return.

Schedule a Rodent Inspection Today With Accel Pest and Termite Control

If you think rodents are in your home, it’s important to act fast. At Accel Pest and Termite Control, we can check for mice and rats and offer rodent control solutions that suit your needs. Call our team or set up an inspection today to protect your home and family from rodent damage!