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How to Spot Mice or Rats in the Home4/22/2022 The cold weather is often associated with high heating bills, power outages and other related problems, but rodent infestations should also be included in this list. A recent survey by the National Pest Management Association found that 45 percent of rodent problems occur in the fall and winter.
Now is the time of year when mice and rats tend to move indoors, searching for food, water, and shelter, so you need to be aware of a rodent infestation. The National Pest Management Association has compiled the list to help determine if your home is indeed infested with rodents. What You Need to Know Droppings The common sign of a rodent infestation is finding mouse or rat droppings around the house. These pellets are often left behind in areas where food is stored, such as kitchen cabinets or pantry shelves. Mice droppings can also be found under sinks, inside chewed cardboard boxes, along baseboards, and on top of wall beams. Salmonella and Hantavirus are among the diseases transmitted by mouse feces. To protect your family from potential health threats, remove mouse droppings promptly with gloves. Mice can produce more than 50 droppings a day. Gnaw Marks Rodents can cause serious property damage by chewing through nearly anything, including plastic and lead pipes, to get to food or water. Norway rats and house mice are also known to chew on wires behind walls, leading to a fire in a home. The presence of gnaw marks indicates a rodent infestation, so keep an eye out for them. Nests Rodents prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed. House mice build their nests primarily from shredded paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall insulation, and fabrics. It might be time to call a licensed pest professional if you see these materials lying around your home. Track or rub marks As rats follow a path between their nest and food, they leave dark grease or dirt marks along walls and floorboards. Keep an eye out for these rub marks caused by the rat's oily fur. Strange Noises It can be unsettling to hear strange sounds coming from the walls, especially at night. These sounds are probably caused by rodents scurrying around the house, between the walls, and in the attic. Attics are particularly attractive to rodents because they provide a dark, secluded place for nesting. During the pest-proofing process, attics are among the easily overlooked rooms. Maintain this area well ventilated and dry, and store any family heirlooms in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. An actual rodent Mice breed rapidly, so if you see one playing hide-and-seek in the house, they are likely nearby. House mice can give birth to a half dozen babies every three weeks, or up to 35 in a year. Don't take any chances when you recognize any of these signs of a rodent infestation! Rodents are not only a nuisance; they can multiply quickly and are known to spread more than 35 diseases. Furthermore, they can chew through drywall and electrical wiring, increasing the risk of a fire in the house.
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