Signs That You May Need Rodent Control Services

Some of the most unwelcome guests in residential and commercial properties alike are rodents. A rodent infestation can be absolutely horrendous, both in the germs and diseases that they spread as well as the cost of repairs. While rodents typically invade properties during the winter, they still may be trying to get in your home as the temperatures rise, and it can be easy for both home and business owners to unconsciously make their property a target for a rodent infestation.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

If you want to save your home or business from a costly, disasters, and overwhelming rodent invasion, the key is prevention. When it comes to rodents, the sooner you detect a problem, the earlier you can handle it more effectively. With that said, it is beneficial to know the warning signs of a rodent infestation beforehand. In this blog, we are going to take a look at some of the indications of an infestation in your home.

Odor

One sign that many home and business owners notice that could indicate a rodent infestation is a pungent and musty odor that exists in certain areas inside. Whenever rodents intrude, they typically leave behind a considerable mess. Not only do rodents naturally not smell the greatest, but with all the droppings and urine around the nesting area, and some time outside of it, it is not uncommon for an unpleasant smell to accumulate. Not to mention, when a rat or mouse is about to die, they usually will retreat into far back corners or hidden areas, leaving the smell of its corpse behind. If you begin to notice an unusual and unpleasant smell, there may be a rodent nest nearby.

Tampered Food Packaging

If you notice that a bag of chips was shredded and tampered with, if there is no other reasonable explanation, it could be due to a rodent problem. One of the biggest reasons why rodents intrude on a home or business is because they are drawn to the potential food that may be inside. And once they make it inside, there aren’t any wrappers, packaging, or containers that will stop them from trying to gnaw it open and access the food inside. Plus, when rodents access and contaminate our food, it can make it inedible and even dangerous to eat due to the germs, bacteria, and diseases that they carry. If you think you have a rodent problem, inspect the packing and wrappers of all food in the kitchen pantries for signs of holes, chewing or ripping. If any food items seem to be tampered with, throw it away and contact a pest control company to see if rodents are the culprit.

Discolored Areas

Many rodents have grease in their fur that can leave behind damaging marks on any wood, siding, or walls they come in contact with. This grease can quickly build up and spread easily to create a costly and unsightly problem area. Be sure to look for any discolored areas inside or outside of the property, as this could be a sign of a mice or rat infestation.

Droppings

While it’s often easier to notice the smell of droppings rather than see them, finding rodent droppings in and around your home or business is a sign of a severe rodent infestation. In addition to being a warning sign, droppings are also an active safety hazard as fecal matter can spread diseases. Droppings are most commonly found near nesting and breeding locations, in addition to areas where they have chewed. Droppings can also be found inside drawers, boxes, and cupboards.

Signs of Gnawing

Mice and rat teeth never really stop growing, so they constantly are gnawing and biting on objects to wear them down. The longer a rodent infestation exists, the worse the damage from gnawing rodents will be. Be sure to inspect furniture, cardboard boxes, wires, and any wooden items for bite or gnaw marks. If you notice that areas are starting to become damaged with marks, and you have seen other signs of an infestation, it is time to call a pest control company.

Rodent Nests

Rodents can quickly and easily build nests using soft, fuzzy, and warm materials and items. They collect fabric, stuffing from furniture, twigs, grass paper and other materials from around the property. They generally build their nests in hard-to-see places, such as boxes, cabinets, and behind walls. Nests are most commonly found in areas where there are nearby food and water sources and where they are safe from predators.

Live Rodents

Of course, seeing a live rat or mouse in the house almost guarantees a rodent infestation. These rodents will typically come out at night, so spotting one during the day usually means that the nest has become overpopulated, which can be a huge mess for you to clean up. If you see a live rodent in your home, it is time to call an affordable pest control company.

How To Get Rid Of A Rodent Infestation

Rodent infestations can be difficult to control and get rid of. If you think you have a rat or mouse infestation, don’t try to deal with the problem yourself. In order to effectively eliminate rodents from your home or business and prevent them from getting in, it is best to call a pest control service. If you are looking for pest control companies in Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Pest Solutions. We specialize in rodent control, so you can rest assured that our team can eliminate rodents from your residential or commercial property. Our rodent control services will help protect your home or business from costly damages and repairs caused by these pests. To learn more about our rodent solutions in Wisconsin, or to schedule pest control services in Eau Claire, contact us today!