As we approach winter and the weather begins to get colder, rats, mice, and other rodents make their way into your home to find food, shelter, and warmth. That means one thing: it’s the season of rodent infestation.
Over the years, we’ve noticed that most people don’t know what to look for when it comes to detecting the presence of rodents. However, knowing the signs of rodent infestation will enable you to nip the problem in the bud before it becomes severe. Here are some of them:
Strange noises
Contrary to popular opinion, rodents aren’t that quiet. So you may be able to hear them before you see signs of their presence. If you listen well, especially at night, you’ll often hear squeaky or gnawing sounds from the attic, ceiling and inside the walls as the rodents scurry around your home.
Droppings
Rodent droppings are surefire signs of an infestation. They are often small, dark, and look like pellets. When dry, droppings can also look brownish and dry. You’ll often find them inside cabinets, attics, near food sources, or walls.
If you discover rodent droppings in your home, it’s essential to contact an Atlanta, GA, pest control expert immediately for an inspection. Depending on the size, shape, and quantity of the dropping, we’ll let you know the type and severity of the infestation and how to eliminate it permanently.
Odor
Rodent urine has a very strong musky odor. So alongside their droppings, you may also notice a repugnant, musky smell in hidden areas. As the infestation grows, the smell worsens. So when you smell something musky, check for other signs of infestation or contact a professional pest control expert for an inspection.
Gnaw marks
Rodents are notorious chewers and can chew through some items in your home to build nests, such as clothing, wiring, newspapers, and books. Also, rodents can chew through baseboards and walls to move around your home. So if you find gnaw marks, it’s a tell-tale sign that you have an infestation.
Odd pet behavior
Our furry friends have an acute sense of hearing and can hear sounds at great distances. Both dogs and cats also have a better sense of smell than humans, making them excellent at detecting the presence of rodents in the home.
If your dog or cat recently seems to be extra alert, barking, or meowing for no apparent reason, you may have a rodent infestation.
Sighting a rodent
If you see a rodent anywhere in your home, you can be sure there’s a nest somewhere. Unfortunately, that means there are many more rodents you are not seeing.
Think you have an infestation?
Rodents are known as direct and indirect transmitters of various diseases, and you can contract a disease by simply touching contaminated surfaces. Moreover, rodents cause damage to valuable items, contaminate foodstuff, and cause house fires.
If you see signs or believe you may have a rodent infestation, contact a pest control expert immediately. Don’t go rushing to the store to buy baits/poisons or traps. While traps may remove some rodents, it’s not an effective or permanent fix. In addition, baits are a danger to pets and children.
Request a quote today and confidently say bye-bye to the problems of rodent infestation. Another problem solved!