Have you recently started hearing strange noises in your home, especially at night? Does your home suddenly have a musty smell, especially in the mornings? It may be time to check for signs of a rodent infestation.
Many locals are resorting to the rodent control Melbourne pest controllers provide to keep these harmful pests out of homes and offices. If you suspect there may be rats or mice running around in your home at night, then this post will help you identify the tell-tale signs to look for.
Know the Signs
When it comes to rodents, you are more likely to see signs of them long before you see an actual rat or mouse. This is because they mostly come out at night and avoid humans at all costs. It’s important to know what signs to look for so that you can deal with an infestation before your home and furnishings are damaged and your health is affected. Here’s a breakdown of the top signs to look for.
1. Look for Droppings
If there are rodents in your home or office, the most obvious sign will be traces of droppings all around the space. The most common areas that you will find droppings include the following:
- Cupboards
- Along walls
- Inside drawers and cupboards
- Under sinks
Droppings are small and dark and resemble little pellets. You will most likely find the most droppings near where the rats or mice feed or nest. If you vacuum these dropping up, there’s the risk of pathogens spreading to the rest of your home. So, be sure to sanitise any cleaning equipment used once you have cleaned the area.
2. Listen for Odd Noises
Another clear indication that you’re dealing with rodents is strange noises coming from cupboards or the roof during the night. Since rodents are nocturnal creatures, they tend to be more active at night. Here are some of the types of noises you should listen for:
- Squeaking noises: Rodents are very vocal creatures and interact with each other when they wake from their daily sleep.
- Gnawing noises: Both rats and mice can do significant damage to your home and do this by gnawing on everything from wiring to furniture, baseboards and other wooden surfaces.
- Scratching or running noises: It will be easier to hear larger rats running around as they scurry from one place to the next looking for food and nesting materials.
3. Check for Oily Smudge Marks on Floors and Surfaces
Rodents are creatures of habit, and usually find a specific path to follow are scurry along between places. You’ll easily be able to identify these paths as there will be traces of an oily dark residue that may look like smudge marks. This residue is the oil from their fur and skin and wipes off as they touch walls or other surfaces as they squeeze into spaces.
Check for these tracks by shining a flashlight on the area where you have heard the noises. You can also sprinkle some talcum or baby powder on the space and if there are rats or mice, you’ll see little footprints in the powder.
4. An Ammonia Odour Will be Present
When there are larger infestations there will also be a very strong ammonia odour present. Rodents urinate often and everywhere and this creates a strong odour. The bigger the infestation the stronger the scent.
This can lead to allergies and respiratory infections that will be difficult to clear up if the space isn’t cleaned and the rodent problem removed. Strong ammonia odours can also aggravate allergies that you may often confuse with seasonal allergies. Taking medications won’t clear up the allergies. Once your pest controller has eradicated the rats, it’s a good idea to spring clean your whole home.
5. Your Pet Starts Behaving Oddly
If you have pets they will start reacting to the scent of the rodents. Cats and dogs will scratch or paw around the space where they detect the scent. Dogs may also bark at cupboards and walls if they hear or smell the rats in the area. If your pet is behaving strangely, it’s a good idea to check the area for some of the other signs.
6. Signs of Nests
Rodents typically build their nests wherever they can get warm and dry shelter. They can easily shred paper, use dried plant matter, or even rip up linen, curtains, carpeting and material furniture. Nests are usually close to their food source and won’t be far from where you see most of their droppings. Any nests must be immediately removed and destroyed.
Final Thoughts
Rodent infestations won’t clear up on their own and will only grow if you don’t deal with the problem as quickly as possible. Use our list of signs to help you identify whether or not you have a rat or mouse problem. Once you suspect that you have an issue, it’s essential to reach out to your local pest controller as soon as possible. This will reduce damage to your home and prevent any potential health issues!