Most people already know that spotting nests and rodent droppings around the home are clear signs of an infestation. But before the problem gets to that point – or if nests are hidden where you can’t see them – there are other ways to determine rats or mice have invaded your home. A few of these signs might even surprise you, but when you think about it, they definitely make sense!
Your pet is acting strangely. Cats and dogs might suddenly display unusual interest in baseboards, certain walls, or spaces behind appliances that they cannot reach. If you notice your pet persistently sniffing or pawing at these areas, it’s because something hidden has caught their attention. They can smell or hear rodent activity in those spots.
You might hear it, too. No, you’re probably not just going crazy. You might here scratching or scuttling noises inside walls, particularly at night or early in the morning. Rats and mice will become most active when they feel they can evade detection, so you might hear these noises when the house is quiet.
Grease trails. Yes, this sounds absolutely disgusting, but there’s simply no other way to describe it. As rodents scurry about your home, they will often leave dirty or “greasy” trails along baseboards, on counter tops, and in narrow spaces. So-called “grease” trails are the result of residue and urine from their bodies. Yuck!
Bite marks. As rats and mice attempt to get into your food, they might leave bite marks on wrappers and boxes. You might also find little shredded bits of plastic or cardboard where they ripped into food containers.
If you notice any of these signs of a rodent infestation, don’t hesitate to call us. Rats and mice breed quickly, so once you see nests, food damage, or grease trails, they have probably been around for a while. Let’s schedule an appointment to evaluate the situation and deal with it quickly.