As a homeowner, there are few things more headache-inducing than a rodent problem. In addition to being dirty they can also leave behind a pretty significant trail of destruction that can take a lot of time and money to fix. Even when you’re doing everything in your power to keep them out of your home, it’s possible a few could sneak past your defenses and get inside. If that happens, do you know the warning signs that tell you if you have a rodent problem? Here are five signs to look out for:

Noises

Typically, rodents are pretty quiet. However, if they decide to run around inside your walls or in your attic, there’s a good chance you’ll hear them. If you hear what sounds like the pitter-patter of little feet in an otherwise unreachable or uninhabited area of your house, you probably have something living there.

Pet Behavior

If you have a dog or cat, they might hear noises or pick up on smells that you won’t. If they start to act different, like noticing things in the ceiling or trying to dig through a wall, don’t dismiss it simply as strange pet behavior — make sure to investigate to see what they’re noticing that you aren’t.

Droppings

Another sure sign of an infestation is the presence of droppings. While these little pellets can show up anywhere, you’ll most likely find them around food packages or in hidden places like cupboards and drawers. If you do find droppings, make a note of where in the house it occurs, and then clean it up — it’s gross, but it’s also a health hazard!

Nesting Materials

Rats and mice build nests out of shredded material like paper and cardboard. If you find what appears to be a stash of chewed up stuff then you’ve probably stumbled on a nest, or at least the beginnings of one.

Holes in Your Walls, Floors or Items

Rodents use their teeth to burrow through weak points in your house’s walls or floors. If you find holes either leading out of the house (an attic would be a good place to look for these) or in the walls, this is an indication that you have critters making pathways for themselves for ease of access.

In addition, when looking for food or building nests, rodents will gnaw up other things such as boxes, coolers and other items you might have stashed away.

If you would like to know more about how to prevent or detect rodents, or if you think you have a rodent problem already, please contact us at Ideal Pest Control today so we can work with you to bring you peace of mind.