It’s that time of year again – rodent season! As the weather continues to get colder, it is important to take note of rodent behavior and how the winter weather affects it. Every rodent has its own unique set of characteristics, but they are all looking for one thing: food. Not only that, but these rodents are also looking to get inside your home where it’s warm and cozy. Making a rodent infestation extremely prevalent during the winter months.
Over the years our team at Sigma Pest Control has found that there are many misconceptions about rodent behavior and the signs of a rodent infestation. These misconceptions may lead homeowners to take some dangerous steps in their efforts to keep them out. So knowing the tell-tale signs that come along with rodents and their behavior can help prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Both rats and mice will leave unique signs in your home if there is a rodent infestation. If you have any suspicion that rats or mice are crawling around your home, here are some signs to look out for:
Droppings
One of the most common signs of a rodent infestation is droppings. And while stumbling upon rodent poop is less than desirable it can be extremely helpful when trying to determine the type of rodent infestation you are experiencing. If you notice multiple piles of what seems to look like dirt in your home, especially along the walls, take a closer look because they may be rodent droppings.
Smears Along Your Baseboards
To continue that point, rats and mice typically stay near walls and the outskirts of rooms when they are moving around. This is because they don’t want to be seen. So if you happen to see smears along your baseboards, it could very well be rodent footprints.
Strange Sounds
To continue that point, rats and mice typically stay near walls and the outskirts of rooms when they are moving around. This is because they don’t want to be seen. So if you happen to see smears along your baseboards, it could very well be rodent footprints.
Gnaw Marks
Did you know that rodents’ teeth never stop growing? Well, it is because of this that both rats and mice are avid chewers. Making one of the tell-tale signs of a rodent infestation gnaw marks. If you think you may have an infestation you should check along your baseboards, inside cabinets, door frames, and doors for these marks.
Depending on the rodent, these chews can range from small holes to large chunks out of your baseboards and even walls. These markings are a clear indication that you have a rodent infestation and should contact a team of pest professionals immediately.
Unusual Pet Behavior
Depending on the rodent, these chews can range from small holes to large chunks out of your baseboards and even walls. These markings are a clear indication that you have a rodent infestation and should contact a team of pest professionals immediately.
Musky Odor
Along with the sound of rodents and their droppings, you may also notice a musky odor in your home. This is because rodents tend to urinate and defecate along the same routes they travel. So if you are smelling something strange in your home, it could be a sign of rodent urine or feces, signaling a rodent infestation.
Mice or Rats? Who is behind your Rodent Infestation?
After determining whether or not your home is infested with rodents, the next step to getting rid of mice or rats is determining which rodents you are dealing with. Even though rats and mice prevent similar infestation signs, there are some unique indicators you can use to determine the type of rodent that is present. This is extremely important because each rodent requires a different method of pest control to get rid of them.
Appearance
The first trait that will help you determine the pest behind your rodent infestation is its appearance. Rats are much larger than mice and have either coarse grey, brown, red, or black fur with a long scaly, and furless tail. When they are fully grown they can range from 11-19 inches long including their tail. Mice on the other hand have small black eyes and large ears. They have fine fur that can be either brown, black or grey, and a tail that is 3-4 inches long and hairless. Mice can grow to about 6 or 7 inches long including their tail.
Droppings
Not only are droppings a sign of an infestation, but they can also help determine the type of rodent, how large the infestation is, and where they are most active in your home.
- Rat droppings tend to be half an inch or larger in size
- Mouse droppings are much smaller often times less than a fourth of an inch in size and are pointed on both ends
If you notice varying sizes in droppings it is a clear indication that there are adult and juvenile rodents present. You also want to pay attention to the number of droppings that you find, if there are a lot then it is a clear sign of a larger rodent infestation.
Nesting Materials
Another indication of whether or not you have a mouse infestation or rat infestation is the type of nesting materials that are being used. Mice will shred string, paper, and other pliable materials to build their nests while rats will either burrow deep underground or nest above ground in attics, trees, and other vegetation.
Let our Team at Sigma Pest Control Tackle Your Rodent Infestation
If you are seeing or experiencing any of the signs mentioned in this blog post, it is important to contact a team of pest professionals immediately. Our team at Sigma Pest Control we have years of experience dealing with rodent infestations and can help rid your home of these pests quickly and safely. Don’t let rodents take over your home this season – give us a call today for more information about our pest control services!