Nine Signs You Have a Rodent Problem
Even though spring is almost here, this is the time when many pests may start to seek shelter in your home, including rodents, to give birth and prepare for the new season. Rodent issues come in many sizes and types. Larger rodent infestations are more obvious, but it is always best to control rats and mice before their populations begin to explode.
So how do you know if you have a rodent or wildlife problem in your home or office?
Here are the most common signs that you might want to investigate further, or call a licensed, experienced professional such as FullScope Pest Control.
Signs of Rodent Infestations
Rodent infestations can be dangerous and expensive. How can you tell if you have a rodent problem? Below are nine surefire signs you may have an infestation on your hands.
Rodent Droppings
One obvious sign there are pests around your home are their droppings. Mice droppings have pointed ends, and are no more than about ¼” in length. Rat droppings vary in shape and can be between ¾” and ½” long. Wear gloves and a face mask if you need to remove rodent droppings yourself.
Rodent Odor
Rodents have a distinct "gamey" smell about them, like an animal that needs a bath. As a rodent population expands, this smell will become more and more noticeable.
Rotting Odor
Not only do rodents have a distinct, pungent odor about them, dead rodent carcasses emit an even stronger, more rotten odor. Dead rodents are a good sign you need to call in professional help, as this can create a very dangerous situation for you and your family. If you need to get rid of a dead rodent carcass yourself, wear a face mask and gloves.
Rodent Tracks
In areas (like in your garage or basement), where you would expect dust or sawdust to accumulate easily, you might spot small mouse or rat footprints.
Rodent Noises
You might hear rustling, chewing, and scratching sounds behind walls in your home or business, including from the attic and ceiling.
Chewed-up Materials
Here's another telltale clue: If you are seeing small chew marks on cardboard boxes, wood, and other materials (including baseboards and wires), you might have rodents afoot.
Pets Acting Up
Dogs and cats amuse us sometimes with their odd behavior, but it might be a sign they can smell or hear rodents that you haven't detected yet. If your pet(s) are scratching at walls or making strange sounds in certain areas of your home, you might have a rodent problem. Be sure to inform a pest control professional of your pets' behavior in these areas.
Rodent Holes
Mice and rats are known to gnaw holes or find their way into holes in walls or other materials in search of shelter.
Allergies
Rodent fur and droppings can cause or make existing allergies worse.
There are countless DIY solutions out there to help you manage pest problems, including rodents. Some of them work, some not so well, but do you really want to spend tons of your time battling hidden pests at home?
Hire a Professional (and I don’t mean a handyman or roofer).
If you believe you have a rodent issue in your garage, attic or around your property, we recommend you contact a Professional Pest / Rodent Professional / Exterminator.
You want to verify that any company you choose is licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (should have TPCL numbers on the vehicle), confirm that they carry liability insurance, and check the companies reputation / reviews. Whomever you decide to use, you want them to stand behind their work and warranty the service for the full year.
The truth is, sometimes you get what you pay for. Rodent trapping, removal, and exclusion can be $500 up to $1,000. But the damage that is occurring inside your attic, can add up to much higher cost.
fullscopepestcontrol .com/rodent-wildlife / 
