How to Spot Mice or Rats in the Home

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Common Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Rats and mice will often seek out your home as a source for food and warmth. When introduced into locations where rats previously did not exist they can cause a huge amount of environmental degradation. Rattus rattus, the black rat, is considered to be one of the world's worst invasive species

Rats have long been held up as the chief villain in the spread of the Bubonic Plague, however recent studies show that they alone could not account for the rapid spread of the disease through Europe in the Middle Ages. Still, the Center for Disease Control does list nearly a dozen diseases directly linked to rats.

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What to Look For

Droppings
Finding mice or rat droppings around the home is one of the most common signs of a rodent infestation. Measuring approximately 1/8-1/4” (3-6 mm) long, these pellets are often left behind in places where food is stored, such as kitchen cabinets or pantries. Homeowners may also find mouse droppings under sinks, inside chewed cardboard boxes, along baseboards and on top of wall beams.

Mouse feces can carry harmful bacteria, transmit serious diseases such as salmonella and Hantavirus, and trigger allergies. Mice are capable of producing more than 50 droppings a day, so prompt removal using protective gloves is key to keeping the family safe from the potential health threats posed by these critters.

Gnaw marks
Rodents can cause serious property damage by chewing through almost any type of material – including plastic and lead pipes – to obtain food or water. House mice and Norway rats are also known to gnaw on wires behind walls, which can increase the risk for a fire in the home. It’s necessary to keep a watchful eye for gnaw marks around the house, as this is a clear sign of a rodent infestation.

Nests
Rodents prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas where there is little chance of disturbance. House mice, specifically, like to build their nests out of shredded paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall insulation and fabrics. If you see these materials scattered around the home, it might be time to call in a licensed pest professional to perform an inspection.

Tracks or rub marks
Rats tend to leave dark grease or dirt marks along walls and floorboards as they follow a trail throughout the home between their nest and food. Keep an eye out for these rub marks, which are actually caused by the rat’s oily fur.

Strange noises
Hearing strange noises in the walls, especially at night, can be a bit concerning. Chances are these sounds can be attributed to a family of rodents scurrying about the house, between the walls and up in attics. Rodents are especially fond of attics because they provide dark, secluded spots to build nests. Unfortunately, attics are among the rooms in a home that are easily overlooked during the pest-proofing process. Make sure to keep this area well ventilated and dry, and opt to store any family heirlooms in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.

An actual rodent
Mice can breed rapidly, so if you spot one mouse in the house, it’s likely there are others playing hide and seek. In fact, a female house mouse can give birth to a half dozen babies every three weeks, up to 35 young per year. That’s a lot of mice!

What to Do Next

If you recognize any of these signs of a rodent infestation, don’t mess around! Rodents are not only a nuisance; they can multiply fast and are known to spread more than 35 diseases. They are also capable of chewing through the gyprock and even electrical wiring in the home, which increases the risk for a potential fire. The best thing to do in the event of an infestation is to contact a licensed pest control professional to inspect the home and recommend a proper course of treatment.