Signs Of Mice And Rat Infestation

By Author: nicksmith
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With winter fast approaching, small, unwanted critters, such as rodents may use your home as a sanctuary from the cold. It’s important to identify a problem and address it as quickly as possible to prevent a full infestation. There are a number of signs to look for if you suspect your home has mice or rat problems:

1. Droppings – Droppings are typically found in the kitchen, cabinets and pantries when rodents think they can find food. The droppings can also help you distinguish the type of rodent you have in your home. Mice leave behind the smallest droppings. They're about the size of a grain of rice, thin or rod-shaped with pointed ends. Roof rats are larger than house mice but smaller than Norway rats. Their droppings average about 1/4 inch and are spindle-shaped with pointed ends. Droppings left by Norway rats are the largest, measuring up to 1/2 inch in length. They're typically shiny black in color, but this can vary, depending on what they eat.

2. Squeaks and other noises – If you have rodents in your house, you will likely hear squeaks and scurrying noises, mostly at night as your house will be ...
... more quiet and rodents will become more active.

3. Holes in food packaging – Rodents will nibble into anything that smells like food. They can get into plastic packages (rice, pasta, beans, grain products are all susceptible) and cardboard boxes (cereal, pastas, cookies, etc.) easily. Rats, particularly, like anything with a meaty smells, so they are particularly attracted to dog food.

4. Gnaw marks – rodents gnaw constantly to keep their incisor teeth, which grown constantly, filed down. Rodents will chew on anything from wood (which they prefer) to electrical wires. In fact, rodents are the leading cause of structural fires because of this.

If you suspect you home has mice or rat problems be sure to look for these signs. It is important to address the issue before it becomes a large infestation. It is easier and more affordable to eliminate mice and rat problems in the earlier stages of infestation.

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