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Rodents such as mice and rat are notorious creatures that take over your house, particularly your kitchen as soon as they find an opening. These carriers of diseases have the potential to cause serious damage to both your property and health.

This is why identifying a rodent infestation early is crucial for effective control and prevention.Let’s have a look at the signs of rodent infestation, common places to check and step one can take for it.

Common Signs of a Rodent Infestation

1. Droppings

Rats and mice are known to leave behind small, pellet-shaped droppings near food sources and corners which can be easily identified. These can range from the size of a raisin to a grain of rice depending on the size and type of rodent. Fresh droppings are often dark and moist whilst older ones are dry and gray.

If you regularly find such dropping around your home or business, its time to conduct a thorough inspection of your space.

2. Gnaw Marks

Rodents are known to constantly chew on materials such as wires, furniture, cardboard etc to keep their teeth in check. These gnaw marks can be found at spaces infested by rodents. Lighter marks are seen in case the gnawing has been recent whilst older ones darken with time.

3. Scurrying Noises

Rodents are nocturnal animals, which means they are highly active at night. This is often the time you could hear them scurrying about. Common sounds such as scratching, squeaking and gnawing can be heard from walls, ceilings and under floors. If you hear these noises late at night, it might be a sign to look for rodent activity around your space.

4. Nesting Signs

Nests are visual signs of rodent infestation as rodents collect shredded paper, fabric or insulation to build a safe space for themselves. You might want to look behind appliances, inside cupboards or in storage spaces to find such place where they might potentially give birth and introduce new house mates to you.

5. Unusual Odors

As one might know, rodents do not smell of flowers and baby powder but carry a musty smell around themselves that may indicate urine, feces or dead rodents. The smells are particularly stronger in confined areas like cupboards and closets where the rodents have nested or are active.

Where Should You Check for Rodent Infestation?

Rodents, as any living creature, crave food, water and shelter. This is why they are known to make their homes in:

• Kitchen and the Pantry where they find food and water easily. Check cabinets, drawers and under appliances for dropping, food damage or gnaw marks.
• Basements and Attics as they provide warm spaces and seclusion for nesting
• Storage areas as rodents are attracted to clutter

What to do if you find signs of Rodent Infestation?

• The first step is to confirm the presence of rodents through the various signs mentioned above.
• Once confirmed, you can clean and declutter your space so as to make the space less attractive to rodents.
• Setting up traps and rodenticides at strategic places can be effective for small infestations.
• If the infestation is large, its best to contact a pest control expert as soon as possible.

Tags: Rodent Control Management Services