How to Determine if You Have a Rodent Infestation

City Pest Control often sees rodent and mice infestations in the Bryan/College Station area during the fall and winter months.  Specifically called a “roof rat” and a “house mouse”, these common fall pests can be a nuisance. We will discuss how to determine if you have a rodent infestation in your Bryan/College Station home or business.

Professional Rodent Extermination Services in Bryan/College Station

Roof Rat

Roof rats are common in Bryan/College Station. Compared to Norway rats, roof rats are smaller in size, black in color and are good climbers.

You may find roof rats nesting in various places inside your home or business, including the following:

  • attics
  • cabinets
  • ceilings
  • garages
  • inside walls and sheetrock
  • laundry rooms
  • patios
  • pool areas

House Mouse

The house mouse is light brown in color with some gray shading and a dark tail. Their droppings have a shape similar to that of rods. Also, house mice have a small head, small feet, pointed snout and large ears with some hair.

Mice will build their nests in a hidden area near a food source. They will use just about any soft material or finely shredded paper to build its nest.

How to Determine if You Have a Rodent Infestation

We have put together a list of questions to ask yourself to determine if you have a rodent infestation.

Are Your Dogs Upset?

Dogs can become disturbed when they hear or smell rodents. You may notice that your dog pays extra attention to the fence line of your yard. This may be particularly true at night when mice are more active.

Avoid relying on your dog to get rid of mice or rats in your home. Dogs have very different immune systems than cats. Therefore, they may not be able to handle some of the diseases that rats and mice often carry.

Are Rodent Droppings Present?

Coming across a pile of rodent feces is less than pleasant. However, they can be helpful when trying to determine which type of rodent you may have.

You may see multiple, distinct piles of tracts of what looks like dirt in your home, particularly along walls. Look closer to determine if it might in fact be rodent feces.

Do You See Small Tracks and Trails in Dusty Areas?

If you have a rodent infestation, you may notice tiny footprints or lines from tails dragging in dusty areas.

Examine along baseboards, in corners and near sources of food. You may even be able to determine a rodent’s entrance and exit by following these marks.

Do You See Areas Where Wood Has Been Gnawed?

Both mice and rats are avid chewers. Rat teeth marks are typically 1/8-inch long. Smaller and “scratchier” marks usually indicate mice.

Examine along baseboards, door frames, doors, inside cabinets and anything that serves as a wooden barrier. If you are hearing a noise inside your walls, check the back panels of cabinets. This will help you to find the rodents access point.

Is there a Heavy Musk Odor in the House?

Similar to all animals, rodents leave behind a distinct smell. If your home suddenly starts to smell musky and nothing seems to help the terrible odor, then you may have a rodent infestation. Rats and mice can quickly build nests and reproduce, which will only add to the smell.

Contact us here at City Pest Control if you believe you have a rodent infestation.

Are You Hearing Strange Noises Like Scratching and Squeaking?

Rats and mice are nocturnal in nature. Therefore, you are much more likely to hear and even see them at night.

If you have a rodent infestation, you will more than likely hear them moving and scratching in your walls and squeaking as they go. You may even notice them scurrying across the floor or along the wall if you are up late.

 

Contact us with the link below if you believe you have a rodent infestation in your home or business!

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