If you're noticing gnaw marks, scratches or droppings in your home, you may suspect you have a rodent infestation. But how do you know for sure?
After all, it can be difficult to tell if signs of a rodent infestation are old or new. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may only see signs of rodents, and not any actual animals.
But because rodents can cause damage to your home and health issues for your family, rodent control is a must. Fortunately, a home inspection will help determine if you have an infestation by identifying the types of rodents, how and where they're entering your home, and how to get them under control.
Read on to learn more about signs of a rodent infestation and how rodent cleanup services and rodent prevention can help keep problems at bay.
Inspecting for Rodents
If you suspect you have an infestation, what should you look for? Start by seeking out the most obvious signs of rodent infestation.
Rodents tend to leave a trail of droppings as they scurry about the home. Often, you will find droppings around and underneath sinks, in drawers and cupboards, near food packaging, and in hidden areas.
If you notice shredded paper, scraps of fabric, or dried leaves, that may indicate a rodent nest. If you see droppings around the nest, that may indicate a current infestation.
Other signs of rodents include:
- Chewed food packaging
- Gnaw marks
- Holes chewed through walls, floors or baseboards
- Stale or foul smells
- Noises such as scratching sounds inside the walls
- Tracks or rub marks around the house (best seen under a blacklight)
How to Get Rid of Rodents
You've observed multiple indications of a rodent infestation — now what? Start by removing the things that attract rodents in the first place: Get rid of sources of food, water and shelter.
Tightly cover and seal any open food sources, such as pet food or open canisters. Make sure that all household garbage goes into a can with a tight-fitting lid. If you compost, keep it raised from the ground in a lidded container, and turn new food scraps under as you add them.
Next, go through your home and seal any openings in the walls, floors or baseboards. While you may need to patch larger holes, you might be able to simply plug smaller openings with steel wool.
Finally, walk your property and eliminate any potential rodent nesting sites. This means getting rid of thick mulch in the garden and clearing piles of leaves.
Contact H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing
What's the most effective way to rid your home of a rodent infestation? Call in the pros! H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing offers a full range of residential rodent control services, from rodent cleanup to rodent prevention.
H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing has been protecting homes in and around Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln and Rutherford Counties for more than 40 years. If you suspect you're dealing with a rodent infestation, don't go it alone: contact H&H today.
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