Although there is a potential for a rodent infestation in all homes, typically, older houses are the most vulnerable to rodents. Often, there are large rodent populations in the city, however those that live in apartments almost never see them as the landlords generally take care of all building maintenance, which includes dealing with rodents.

Mice and rats are extremely adjustable creatures. They easily travel on very narrow ledges, can drop 50 feet and live, climb a brick or stucco wall, eat through wood, lead pipes, cinder blocks, asbestos, aluminum, and much more. These rodents can also climb vertical pipes from both the outside and the inside. They can stroll along ropes and wires both horizontal and vertical, and they fit through minute openings. Rats need just a little more than a half-inch of space, and mice need only a quarter of an inch of space to get inside. For all of these reasons, it is very easy to establish a rodent problem in your house.

Overall, rodents cause more problems to your average suburban homeowner. If you think that you may have rodents dwelling in your home, but are not certain, there are a number of signs you can look for to see if you may have an infestation.

First of all, use your ears and pay attention to any unusual sounds. Typically, nighttime finds rats at their most active. You might hear sounds such as scurrying paws, squeaks, noises that indicate climbing within the walls. Often times, mice create a sound that is somewhat like a whistle. All of these noises may indicate that rats or mice have moved into your home.

Rely on your sense of smell and be aware if you smell anything unusual in your home. Rats and mice nests and dwellings emit a very noticeable aroma that is incredibly pungent.

One of the first ways that many people become aware that they have a rodent problem in their house is when they notice droppings. If you think you may have rodents in your home, wander around and look for droppings close to any food supplies. Areas such as kitchen cupboards or countertops will often attract rodents and they will leave droppings behind.  If you notice the droppings are various different sizes, this may be a strong indicator that you have a well-established colony of rodents that contain animals that are young and old. 

Gnawed areas in any wood can be strong signs that you have rodents in your home. Look for wood that has been gnawed, indicated by a lighter color than the wood surroundings.If you have dogs or cats, pay attention to their signals. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to both the sounds and smells of rodents. An indicator of a rodent problem in your house can be seeing your pet paw or sniff at the wall or floor in one certain spot often. This is especially true if the area that excites them is close to kitchen cabinets or storage areas.

The most reliable method for knowing you have rodents is of course an actual sighting of the creature. Rats are very withdrawn and typically only emerge from hiding after dark. If you happen to see one during the day, it often indicates that there are enough rats that they forced the one you saw out into the open. It is wise to assume there are at least ten additional rats in the area for every one you manage to see.

Mice however are generally active during the day. By this token, a mouse sighting does not really prove there is a colony of the creatures inside of your house.

Related posts:

1. Five Proven Ways to Protect Your Home Against Rodents
2. Telling Signs that You May Have a Termite Infestation
3. Make Your Problems Fly Away – Handling Bird Pest Control
4. Non-toxic and Natural Ways to Rid your Home of Spiders
5. Signs You May Have Brown Recluse Spiders and How to Get Rid of Them

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