Rodents are unwelcome guests in any home. They can cause damage to your property, contaminate your food, and spread diseases. But how do you know if you have a rodent infestation? Here are some common signs to look out for:
Droppings
Rodent droppings are small, dark, and pellet shaped. You may find them in your kitchen cabinets, pantry, drawers, or under the sink. They may also be near their nesting areas, such as in the attic, basement, or behind the walls.
Gnaw Marks
Rodents have sharp teeth that they use to gnaw on various materials, such as wood, plastic, wires, or pipes. You may notice gnaw marks on your furniture, baseboards, doors, or electrical cords. Gnawing on electrical cords can cause the inner wiring of your home to be exposed and potentially start a house fire. Gnawing can also create holes or gaps in the walls or floors, which can allow rodents to access other parts of your home.
Noises
Rodents are mostly active at night, so you may hear them scratching, squeaking, or scurrying in the dark. You could also hear them in the ceiling, walls, or floors throughout your home. Sometimes, you may also hear them chewing on something or communicating with one another.
Odors
Rodents have a distinctive musky smell that can linger in your home. You may notice a foul odor near their droppings, urine, or nesting areas. The smell can also attract other rodents or pests to your home.
Nests
Rodents build nests using various materials, such as shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or plant matter. You can often find their nests in hidden or secluded places, such as in the attic, basement, crawl space, or behind the appliances.
If you notice any of these signs of a rodent infestation in your home, you should act quickly to get rid of them. Rodents can multiply rapidly and cause serious problems for your health and safety. You can try some DIY methods to trap or repel them, or you can hire a professional pest control service to handle the situation effectively.
