Nobody likes to have their home infested by rats or mice.
These creatures are extremely unhygienic and can carry lots of unpleasant diseases. They come inside through various places and don’t care that they are ruining everything we have worked for.
Removing them should be a top priority for every homeowner who cares about their property and possessions.
Unfortunately, getting rid of these unpleasant pests is difficult because they are good at hiding.
Sometimes it can take months for a person to notice that he has rodents on his property.
So, to get rid of the problem successfully, you should first consider learning the eight basic ways to recognise rodents in your home. This way, you will know what to look for and be able to protect everything you hold dear.
Look for droppings
You are likely dealing with a whiskered intruder if you find droppings around the property.
And if you find lots of black droppings somewhere on the floor in your home, it’s a sure sign that rats or mice have found your place comfortable for nesting.
However, you don’t need to look all around the house periodically. Rodents usually choose specific places to do their job, so when you find them once, you can limit your search for the villains in this area.
Gnawing marks
As we are all familiar, rodents are well known for their ability to gnaw through almost everything, except maybe for metal. Their teeth are strong, and few things can stop them.
So, if you want to recognise if you have rodents in your home, you should check your entire house for signs of gnawing. If there are rats or mice there, you should be able to find some around the windows, doors, and walls.
They can even gnaw through the insulation to get inside the house. Rats and mice are some of the pests that can cause the most damage to your home. If you find small holes around your property, fill them with something efficient.
Eating your food
Rodents will eat just about anything they can get their teeth on, which of course, includes the food meant for humans and pets.
They will even gnaw through any packaging to get to the inside food.
Mice and rats may also leave behind droppings or urine on food, which can contaminate it and pose a health risk to you and your pets. Look for those signs in the pantry or drawers where you store your food.
Sounds at night
The rodents are usually really good hiders, and it’s hard to notice them wandering around. They are nocturnal creatures, so they come outside when the homeowners are sleeping. But the fact that we can’t see them doesn’t mean that we won’t be able to hear them.
If you’re really quiet at night, you will be able to hear the gnawing sounds if there are really rodents in there.
If you’re careful, you can find out where they are coming in from. And this is one step closer to getting rid of them. If you feel that you can’t deal with them all on your own, you should consider calling a professional rat control team.
See if there are tracks
If you’re determined to find out if you have rodents in your home, you should try this very old but still efficient way to check if they have settled in your home.
Spread some flour or some type of powder all over the floors since rodents are most likely to go wander around. And if in the morning you see small steps all over it, there are certainly some unwanted guests on your property.
It’s a simple test that will show you everything you need to know.
Rodents nests
Like almost every other household pest, rodents also like to come to our homes to nest and mate.
It’s quite easy to recognise a rodent nest – you just need to look for some chewed paper or fabric, like carpet, clothes, etc.
Rats and mice are cautious and usually nest in the attic or basement, where people rarely come.
You will recognise the odour
Sometimes rodent infestations come with a strong, musty odour that can be easily recognised. The smell is particularly strong in areas where rodents are most active.
So, if you smell something unusual in your home, you better start checking the entire property for the problem.
Grease marks
Rodents have oily fur that can leave behind grease marks on surfaces they encounter.
These marks are often found along walls and baseboards where rodents travel. The marks may be visible as smears or streaks, indicating the presence of a rodent infestation.
How to tell if you have mice or rats
Mice and rats, besides squirrels, are the most common types of rodents that can invade your property. So, rodent-proofing is among the most helpful things you can do to make your home or kitchen more valuable.
While they share some similarities in appearance and behaviour, several key differences can help determine whether you have mice or rats in your home.
You will undoubtedly distinguish by their appearance as rats are larger than mice, have bigger, more prominent ears and have long hairless tails.
Most of the time, you won’t be able to see if you are dealing with mice or rats, but there are some other signs from which you may find out what you are dealing with:
● The droppings of a rat are larger than the mouse ones and are typically about ¾ inch long, while mouse droppings are smaller and more pointed;
● Rats prefer to nest in secluded, hidden areas of the home, like attics, while mice will often build nests in more visible areas, such as inside walls or cabinets;
● Rats are generally more cautious and less curious than mice and tend to stick to more secluded areas of the home. Conversely, mice are more likely to explore and be seen out in the open.
If you’re still unsure whether you have mice or rats in your home, a pest control professional can help identify the type of rodent and develop a plan for eliminating the infestation.
Final conclusion
Rats and mice are uninvited guests that can pose a risk to your health and property.
While these creatures can be challenging to detect, several key indicators can help you identify them, like their droppings, the sounds they make at night, and the musty odour they can produce.
You can also distinguish between mice and rats based on their behaviour and appearance if you can see them.
If you suspect you have a rodent infestation, it’s vital to take action promptly to prevent any further damage and protect your home and family.
Speak Your Mind