Telltale Signs of a Mice or Rat Infestation

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Dangers of a Rodent Infestation

The biology and habits of rodents make it difficult to eradicate and control them. Not only are they destructive, but they also contaminate their surroundings and can spread a broad range of diseases including the Hantavirus, Hemorrhagic Fever, certain plagues, and more. Furthermore, these pests can contaminate more food than what they consume. Whenever mice or rats invade your home, they are looking for food, warmth, and water. As your mouse population grows, it will become increasingly difficult to extinguish. A mouse can jump a foot high, run up the side of a building, cross wires and cables, and chew through wood to get what he wants. That is one determined little rodent.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

There are specific telltale signs that indicate the presence of these rodents and the need to contact pest control professionals in Pittsburgh immediately for mice or rat removal. If you feel you may have a rodent problem, look for the following signs or contact a reliable pest control service to inspect your home:

  • Droppings
  • Gnawed holes in walls
  • Gnawing or rubbing marks
  • Nesting materials
  • Smell of urine
  • Scampering sounds
  • Unusual pet behavior

Seeing Rodents in the Daylight

Rodents are nocturnal and much more active during the night. However, given the proper conditions, you could see them during the day. Some of these conditions could include:

  • Dramatic changes in the weather
  • If there is ongoing construction work
  • If they live in over-populated conditions
  • When they are extremely hungry

Signs Your Mouse Problem May Be Bigger Than You Think

As the infestation gets worse, the number of warning signs increases. The following is a breakdown of a small, moderated, and substantial infestation:

SMALL infestation
Typically, the only warning signs that you’ll see when there is a small infestation are 2” to 4” wide burrowing entrances. However, that should give you enough reason to contact professionals for rodent control service.

MODERATE infestation
As rodent populations grow, so do the number of warning signs. In the case of a moderate infestation, you’ll see droppings and areas where they have gnawed on wood in different locations around the house.  Also, you should be listening for unusual sounds coming from your attic or walls.  These sounds indicate movement.

SUBSTANTIAL infestation
If you’re dealing with a large population of mice or rats, their droppings and gnaw marks will increase in number. You’ll also hear them scurrying about in your ceiling or walls. Despite being nocturnal, they will start coming out during the day if their population has led to overcrowded conditions.

Regardless of population size, you don’t want these rodents lingering within your home as they not only cause a great deal of damage, but they are also a health risk to you and your family.

Reasons To Call Professional Pest Control

Even if you’ve only seen one mouse, that’s enough to warrant professional rodent control. Mice and rats are disease carriers, extremely unsanitary, cause home damages, and reproduce very quickly. So even if it is only the one, it could become many very, very quickly. For rodent and pest control in Butler you can trust, call Spectrum today!