As we prepare for the crisp fall air, rodents like mice and rats also start looking for warm places to hide. In this case, the most accessible place is your home. These unwanted guests can chew through wires, ruin food, spread diseases, and cause severe damage to your property and health.
Homeowners must spot the early signs of a rodent invasion to prevent costly damage and stress. This article highlights the key signs of rodent activity and reasons for rodent invasion.
Signs of a Rodent Invasion
Rodents can be sneaky, but they leave clues. Smart homeowners must spot these clues and take action. The following signs signal a rodent invasion:
- Rodent Droppings: A common sign of a rodent invasion is seeing rodent droppings in your home. They are often small, dark pellets (mice: 1/8–1/4 inch; rats: up to 3/4 inch) and can be found in kitchens, pantries, or along baseboards.
- Rodent Pee Stains: Yellow, sometimes pungent, stains or markings that are often mixed with dirt and fur.
- Gnaw marks: Rodents are notorious pests. Their presence is marked with chewed wires, furniture, or food packaging with greasy smudges from rodent fur.
- Noises, such as scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night, are another sign.
- Rodent Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation hidden in attics, basements, or behind boxes.
- Unusual pet behavior: Dogs or cats pawing at walls, sniffing corners, or acting unusually alert.
Why Do Rodents Invade?
When temperatures drop, rodents seek the warmth of indoor spaces. The following are additional reasons that explain rodent invasion:
- Seeking warmth: Cold weather drives mice and rats into homes for shelter.
- Food sources, such as pantries, pet food, or unsecured trash, attract hungry rodents.
- Breeding opportunities: Warm, hidden spaces like attics and basements serve as an ideal spot for nesting and multiplying.
- Easy access: Tiny gaps (mice need just 1/4 inch; rats need 1/2 inch) in walls, doors, or foundations allow entry.
Remove Rodents with A&M Pest Control
Worried about rodents taking over your home this season? A&M Pest Control is your trusted partner for pest control in 2025. Our experienced team uses tools like thermal imaging and eco-friendly traps to detect and eliminate rodents quickly. We seal entry points, set up innovative monitoring systems, and create custom prevention plans to keep your home pest-free. Contact us today and protect your health and property.