Having a rodent infestation doesn’t mean you have to pack your bags and move out! It does mean you should be calling your local pest control company; they can help you to locate the source of the issue and eradicate them.
Of course, a good local exterminator will also help you to secure your property and avoid future infestations.
Knowing the signs of infestation can help you to confirm that it is time to call the experts. Here are the most common signs of a rodent infestation:
Droppings
If you’re seeing small dark brown or black droppings on the floor, in your cupboards, or particularly under the sink; then you’re probably looking at mouse or rat droppings. You need to vacuum these up and disinfect the floors as they can carry diseases that are dangerous to your health.
The droppings should return in a day or two; confirming that you have current rodent activity.
Packaging Damage
If the rodents have managed to get into your food cupboards they will try to eat their way through any packaging to access the food stored in there. Check your packages, if they appear to be chewed then you probably have a rodent problem.
This is why it’s a good idea to store open food packets in sealed containers.
Wiring
If you have exposed electrical wiring anywhere then check it for bite marks. Rodents tend to chew the plastic on electric wires and then use it in their nests.
Of course, they risk an electric shock in the process, but they don’t know that and you can only hope!
Chewed Walls
If you look at your walls, particularly low to the ground and the ones that are usually hidden from sight, you may find there are chew marks; this is where the mouse has decided to break into your house, dry lining presents very little of a challenge to their teeth.
The benefit of this is that you can start to narrow down a search for their nest.
You may also find shreds of paper, or other fabrics on the floor; these are bits that the rodents have taken and dropped on the way to their nest; they make comfortable and warm beds.
Sounds
If your house is ever quiet you, especially in the evening, you may hear the rodents coming out to play. They generally come out overnight when there doesn’t appear to b anyone around.
You’ll hear them scuttling behind or under cupboards and your pets will probably be very interested!
Although this can be disconcerting it’s a great way to start tracking their point of origin; which you need to know in order to get rid of them properly.
Don’t forget, that although you can put down rodent traps and poison, you may not be able to target the nest yourself and if you don’t clear the nest you won’t have eliminated the infestation. That’s why a pest control expert is so important; they’ll guarantee that the problem is resolved.
