No one wants rodents in their home, so some may write off the signs that they’re dealing with a mouse or rat problem. While it’s true that anything could be scurrying around your home at night, rodents leave a few clear signs that they’re the cause. If you’re worried that you may be dealing with a rodent infestation, look for these signs before calling a rodent control team for an inspection:

Squeaking and Scratching Noises

Mice and rats love to hide, so they can be difficult to pinpoint in your home. One of the first signs you’ll discover when you have rodents around is the squeaking and scratching noises they make. They scurry around quickly, often to avoid humans and other creatures. When they wish to communicate with one another, they make a quiet squeaking noise. Bats make fairly similar noises, but their signature sound is more of a high-pitched chirp, rather than the squeak or hiss you’ll hear from a rodent. 

Chewed Up Food Boxes

Finding chewed up food boxes, especially in hidden areas of the home like the garage or the back of the pantry, is a strong indicator that you have rodents. While they’re not the only creatures that find their way into unsealed food, they are some of few that will chew through boxes and bags to reach their goal. 

Greasy Rub Marks

Rodents prefer to move through your home undetected, and in the process, they’re likely to rub against your walls on the way to their hidden destination. Mice are especially prone to leaving greasy marks on your wall when they rub against it. They are bolder than rats due to their smaller size and skill at moving quickly without being seen. However, it’s not impossible for rats to leave similar signs behind. 

Distinct Musky Odors 

The rodent odor is something that typically manifests when you have a sizable infestation in your home. You can’t miss this musky odor if you’re anywhere near they’re hiding spots. The smell is often described as being a combination of animal urine and decay. When you notice this kind of smell in your home, you need to call a rodent control team right away. Chances are, once you smell it, you’ve had these unwelcome guests for a long time. 

Urine and Feces

All animals leave urine and feces behind in their wake. Mice droppings are typically black and up to a quarter of an inch long with a point at the end. Rat droppings are larger with similar colors. Some places to look for these droppings include the area beneath and behind large appliances, inside kitchen cabinets and around hiding places like garages and attics. 

Any of the above signs would be a solid indicator that you’re dealing with an infestation. If you see two or more signs, you can be confident that it’s a rodent problem. The Boca Raton rodent control experts at Command Pest Control, a veteran-owned company with a 20-year history of exceptional service, are here to help you find and eliminate rodents from your home. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.