Less Obvious Signs You Might Have Rodents in Your Home

Even though droppings are an obvious sign of a rodent problem, there are other, less obvious signs that you might have unwanted furry roommates. These sneaky signs can often go unnoticed, which means the problem gets worse before it is fixed. 

If you think you have a rodent problem, do not hesitate to call a professional pest control company like avatapest.com. Let us look at some of these less obvious signs that you might have a rodent problem. 

Strange sounds in the night. 

Rodents are mainly nocturnal, which means they are most busy at night when it is quiet. If you hear scratching, running, or squeaking sounds coming from your floors, walls, or ceilings, especially at night, it could mean that rodents are living there. These noises at night are often just background noise, but noises that do not go away should be a red flag. 

Damage to the insulation. 

Rodents need to chew all the time and have strong mouths. Wires, pipes, furniture, and building supplies are just some of the things they will chew on. Rats or mice may have been in your attic or basement if you find pieces of insulation lying around or wires that are sticking out behind your appliances. 

An unpleasant odor. 

The pee of rodents can leave behind a strong, unpleasant, and musty smell. This smell might be stronger in places where they are busy more often, like attics, crawlspaces, or behind walls. A musty, old smell that stays in some parts of your home even after you clean them well could be a small but important sign that you have a rat problem. 

Oily stains and runways. 

Rats and mice leave sticky smudges and grease trails on the walls and floors as they move around your home. These marks show you where they usually go, which helps you find places where they are most busy. By looking at these paths, you can get a better idea of how bad the invasion is and find possible entry places. 

Uneaten pet food and strange behavior from your pets. 

When you notice that your pet’s food is going missing very quickly, even though you have not given them more, it could mean that mice are taking advantage of the feast. 

Furthermore, if your cat or dog seems particularly interested in a certain area of your home, like scratching at walls or pawing at floorboards, it could be because they are more aware of rodent activity there. Animals can smell and hear better than people can, which lets them find rodents that we might miss. 

Nesting materials. 

Rats and mice are very good at building nests. They gather soft materials to make warm homes. Things like shredded paper, fabric pieces, padding, and even hair can be used in this way. If you find piles of these things in remote parts of your home, like attics, crawlspaces, or behind appliances, it is a good sign that rodents have made a home there. 

Increased pest activity. 

A sudden rise in other bugs, like ants or cockroaches, can sometimes be a sign that you have a rodent problem. By leaving behind food crumbs and good living conditions, rodents can draw other insects. 

If you have a rodent problem, take action promptly. 

When you think you have a rodent infestation in your home, you need to act quickly. To stop damage and health risks, it is important to find and fix problems quickly. A professional pest control service can look at the problem and tell you what to do next. 

Regular checks can help find entry spots and keep rats out, even if there are not any clear signs of them. If you know the minor signs and act quickly, you can get rid of rodents and keep your home safe from damage and health risks.