Are Rodents Moving In? Here Are Seven Signs to Watch For

Many families host a few houseguests during the winter season. While some guests are better than others, there’s one visitor you never want to see: rodents. A rodent infestation can be disastrous. A family of rats living in the walls can lead to the spread of disease and thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Unfortunately, many homes are susceptible to an invasion during California’s rainy winter months. These furry creatures head indoors to seek a dry and warm hiding spot until the nice weather returns in the spring. It can be difficult to permanently rid a home of a rodent infestation after they establish a nest. The key is to identify the problem early on before effectively addressing it with professional rodent control in Butte County, CA. Watch out for these seven warning signs that you have rodents in your home:

• Droppings: Spotting droppings is one of the most obvious—and disgusting—signs of a rodent problem. They usually leave their droppings around the walls or inside abandoned cupboards. Not only are rodent droppings a warning sign, they’re also a safety hazard, as their fecal matter can spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella.
• Odor: Don’t write off that strange, musky order as an uncle’s unpleasant cologne. That pungent smell might be a major sign of a rodent problem. Rats and mice leave droppings and urine behind, which can start to smell. Plus, their natural body odor is anything but enjoyable.
• Chewed-up packaging: Rodents usually head inside in search of food during the colder months when natural food sources are scarce. They will raid pantries and cupboards, leaving behind telltale chew marks on packaging. Eating something a rat has feasted on can be dangerous for humans to consume due to the health risks involved.
• Food debris: Those crumbs might not have been left by your human houseguests. Rodents tend to leave behind small piles of food debris after they eat.
• Grease smears: The grease in rodents’ fur leaves damaging marks on practically anything they touch. The grease will begin to accumulate and spread, which can be both ugly and incredibly expensive to repair. Watch out for any discolored areas inside or outside the home. Pay special attention to the baseboards and the area near any holes.
• Strange noises: Mice and rats are most active during the night. If you hear the sound of tiny feet running overhead or hear other strange noises while lying in bed at night, you may have a serious rodent problem on your hands.
• Gnaw marks: Rodents love to chew on hard surfaces to keep their constantly-growing teeth short and sharp. Look for any gnaw marks on wires, furniture, wood items or cardboard boxes. Oftentimes, a nest might be located nearby.

It’s important to enlist the help of a professional if you suspect your home has a rodent infestation. They’ll be able to eliminate the problem for good using state-of-the-art and minimally invasive techniques. Call Hobbs Pest Solutions today to learn more about our approach to rodent control in Butte County, CA.

Categorised in: Rats