Warning Signs That Your House May Have A Rodent Problem And How To Fix It

Almost every homeowner will deal with rodents at some point, but there are steps you can take to prevent major problems. Often times, pests can live in our homes without our knowledge. Here are six signs that you are dealing with the problem and what you can do about it:

Small Cracks And Holes

If your home has small cracks near the windows or doors, you are likely allowing pests to enter your home unknowingly. Mice, spiders and other pests can enter your home through even the smallest holes and cracks. Get new windows and doors, or seal the area around them so that pests can’t find easy entry into your home.

Rodent Droppings

You may never actually see the rodent that has invaded your home, but you will almost always see what they left behind, says professionals who specialize in rodent control in St. Charles. Mice droppings are generally small, spindle-shaped, dark brown and about the size of a grain of rice. They are usually found in drawers, cabinets, along walls and in other nooks and crannies that can be more difficult to find.

Gnawing

A rodent’s teeth are always growing, so they must gnaw to help keep them whittled down. If it looks like something has been chewing on a chair leg or a wooden baseboard, you probably have rodents.

Noises

If you hear inexplicable sounds like bags rattling or something chewing or scratching in the walls or in your attic throughout the day, this could be a sign of a rodent. You may hear mice scurry in the ceiling in the late hours of the night when the rest of the house is quite. While you may not see them, hearing them around the home is enough evidence that you have a problem that needs immediate attention.

Shredded Nesting Material

Another sign of pests might be shredded household materials. Maybe you find that a pile of newspapers you keep in the garage has been shredded or a cushion has been torn into and the batting is missing. This might mean a rodent is building a nest in your home.

You See a Rodent

Most rodents will wait until a room is quiet to wander out into the open, but it is possible for you to sneak up on one. If you walk into a room just in time to see something small and dark scurry away, it is probably not just going to be a one-time encounter. Seeing a mouse or other pest in the home usually means there a quite a few more in the area, even though we like to believe that one happened to get in the home just once.

If you notice any of these signs of pests in your home, the first thing you need to do is clean. If you have food lying around, the rodent will be attracted to its scent. Clutter and empty boxes in garages are also problem areas in the home that should be fixed. Next, get rid of the pests in the home. It’s best to call in a professional to properly get rid of pests in the home and prevent them from returning.