Signs That You have Rats or Mice at Home

A lot of people associate cold weather conditions with power outages, heating bills, and other similar issues. However, having rodents at home can also be added to your list of winter problems. You also need to know some tips on rodent pest control.

According to the National Pest Management Association, 45% of rodent problems happen in the winter and fall. Now is the perfect time for rats and mice to move inside your house as they search for water, food, and shelter. It is crucial to be aware of the signs that your home is infested with rodents.

Here’s a list of the things you need to watch out for if you want to know if you have a rodent infestation problem and when to hire residential pest control Myrtle Beach experts.

Indications of Rodent Infestation

Droppings – Finding rat or mice droppings around the house is among the most common indications of a rodent infestation. The size of the droppings range from three to six millimetres long and they are often left in spots where food is stored such as pantries and kitchen cabinets. You may also find them along baseboards, above the wall beams, inside cardboard boxes, and under the sink.

Gnaw Marks – Rodents may also cause serious damage to your property by chewing through nearly any kind of material including lead pipes and plastics to get water or food. They may gnaw on the wires hidden behind the walls, which could lead to house fire. You should be on the lookout for gnaw marks because it’s a sure sign that your house is infested with rodents.

Nests – Rodents love to nest in secluded and dark areas where there’s minimal chance of getting disturbed. House mice love to make their nests out of cotton, shredded paper, fabrics, wall insulation, and packing materials. In case you see these things scattered around your house then you should consider calling a residential pest control expert.

Tracks/rub Marks – Rodents usually leave dirt marks or dark grease along the floorboards and walls while they follow a trail in your house between their food and nest. Be sure to keep an eye out for these marks.

Strange Noises – It can be quite concerning to hear strange noises in your walls especially during the evening. In most cases, these sounds could be due to rodents running about the house, up in the attic and in between your walls. Make sure to keep your attic dry and well ventilated. If you need to store heirlooms, place them in sealed plastic boxes instead of cardboard boxes.

An Actual Rodent – Mice could multiply quickly. So if you see one at home, then there are others hiding as well. Call a pest control Myrtle Beach expert right away.