Rodent Control at Home – When to Call a Professional

Rodents infest about 21 million homes in the U.S. each winter, according to the National Pest Management Association. Although rats and mice are small, having a rodent infestation can have a big impact because they can transmit 200 pathogens and 35 diseases to humans and trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Not only do they pose a risk to your health, they also pose a risk to your home. Rodents are known to cause structural damage because they are able to chew through plastic and wood. Even worse, they can chew through wiring and potentially cause an electrical fire.

Here are some signs to look for if you think you might have a rodent problem:

• Markings: Inspect around your home for gnaw marks, as rodents will chew on just about anything. Check for holes in your walls or floors that serve as entry points, nibbling on food packaging, and gnawing on cardboard or wood.
• Trails: Rodents tend to use the same pathways when scampering about, and leave “breadcrumbs” of their presence along the trails. Rats deposit oil from their fur or dirt marks, and all rodents tend to leave tiny tracks or footprints in their wake. Not all trails are visible, however. You should also be alert for stale odors, as a rodent infestation is usually accompanied by a musky smell in hidden areas such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• Droppings: Rodent droppings are another sure sign of a rodent problem. These pellets are usually found where food is stored, or in dark places such as under the sink. The common house mouse gives off micro droplets of urine as it travels throughout your home, and this is probably accompanied by an ammonia-like smell.
• Nests: Common rodent nesting material includes shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or dried plants. They don’t like to be disturbed, so these nests are likely in dark, secluded areas of the home. If you notice these materials scattered about, you might need to call in a pest professional.
• Noises: Scampering, gnawing, and scratching are all noises you can expect to hear if you have a rodent issue — above you in your attic, or next to you in your walls. You’re most likely to hear these noises at night. And, your pets might be able to hear rodents before you do! If your pet is exhibiting strange behavior, such as scratching or barking at walls or acting strangely in a certain part of your home, that could be their way of telling you about a pest problem.
• Mouse in the house: If you happen to actually encounter a rodent in your home, it’s safe to say there are others lurking about. Mice reproduce quickly; a female mouse can have up to a dozen babies every three weeks! Furthermore, rodents aren’t solitary animals and will usually be accompanied by plenty of their family and friends.

Rodent removal is not the easiest task, especially without the help of pest control companies. If you’re looking for the best rodent prevention techniques, check out our list of precautions for home pest defense and pest control methods on our blog. For more information on rodent control or our pest control service, go to www.pestdefense.com or call 855-855-4873.