Homeowners spend lots of time and money caring for their homes. Whether it’s decluttering or repair work, there are plenty of things that can be done to keep every aspect of a home in tip top condition. But some issues can spread and develop quickly leaving us with little time to act and solve the problem. Rodent Infestations are one of these problems. Rats and mice can overrun your property causing damage and making it unsanitary. One simple rat could turn into ten rats overnight and make you feel like a stranger in your own home. So the quicker you can identify their presence, the quicker the situation can get controlled. To guide you on what you need to be looking out for, here are some typical telltale signs.

Droppings

One of the biggest signs that you may have a rodent infestation is if you find droppings. These could be in your cabinets, drawers, bins or shelves. It’s also not unheard of to find them on furniture, inside bags and along walls. Areas which could provide them with a source of food or shelter to create a nest are usually where you will find these droppings. So if you find them in your home, call a pest control expert and leave the droppings unless instructed otherwise. The shape and size will help the expert determine exactly what kind of rodent you are dealing with.

Scratch and bite marks

Rodents need to keep their teeth and claws as sharp as possible. To do this, they will gnaw, bite and scratch anything from wood to electrical cables. So if you notice any unusual marks, holes or sawdust this could be a sign you have a rodent problem. Rats and mice will chew almost anything not only to keep their teeth sharp but to gain access. So you may also find food packaging, baskets and window frames have also been nibbled at. This is to again, gain access to food and shelter. When making these marks, you may also hear scratching, squeaking and grinding noises coming from inside the walls, roof or floors.

Footprints

It’s important to look out for tracks in your home as this can be another telltale sign of an infestation. The size of the tracks will vary in size with rats having larger footprints than mice. Rats will also drag their tail along the ground as they walk leaving a distinctive marking. Dusty areas are often the best place to find these tracks such as on top of cabinets and behind appliances. Remember that rodents are fantastic climbers and there is no limit to where you may find their tracks. You may need to use a torch to see the prints clearly as they are so small.

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A nest

Rats and mice will create their nests in a place with access to food and warmth so they can continue to breed. These nests are built from the materials around them. So if the rodents are inside your home, they will use anything from furniture stuffing to paper to build their new nest. If you notice fabric or paper that has been shredded on the floor or tables unexplainably, a mouse or rat could be to blame. Rodents will often hide their nests inside walls or in the space between ceilings and floors. House foundations are another popular choice. These provide them with hiding places from possible predators and give them a place to store food and reproduce. You could also find these nests in your attic, in baskets and dressing tables.

A Sighting

No sign is clearer than the sighting of the rodent in your home. Rats and mice will usually be more active at night, but it’s not uncommon for them to be out in the day too. If you happen to spot multiple rodents in your home or in your yard, get in touch with a specialist like Orange County pest control immediately. They should be able to pinpoint where the nest is and advise you on how to control the issue. Don’t wait a few days to call as rats and mice breed quickly and the infestation could become more severe.

Now you know what signs to look out for, it shouldn’t be too difficult to identify an infestation. To try and prevent an infestation from occurring seal up any holes where the rodents could enter. Also, keep your food waste in bins with tightly fitted lids so they cannot easily access it. This will lower the risk of an infestation and allow you to embrace your home again.