Black droppings, foul odors, and scratching sounds don't just happen at Halloween. They can also mean a rat or mouse infestation in your home.
Rodents can be tricky, often only coming out at night. Even if you have tried to get rid of rats or mice, how do you know if they are gone?
If you see any of these signs you have a rat or mouse infestation. Here are some foolproof ways to tell whether there are still any mice or rats in your home.
Signs of a Rat or Mouse Infestation
- 01 of 09
Rodent Droppings
Fresh droppings are dark and moist. As rat and mouse droppings age, they dry out become gray, and crumble if touched.
Droppings are most likely found near food packages, in drawers or cupboards, under sinks, hidden areas, and along walls. You will find the highest number of droppings where the rodents are nesting or feeding, so inspect the area around the new-found droppings to determine whether there is still an active (or new) infestation.
- 02 of 09
Gnaw Marks
Fresh rodent gnaw marks are light in color and become darker as they age on food packaging or walls. The marks can also indicate whether you have rats or mice. If you had a mouse infestation but now see larger gnaw marks, you may now have rats.
- 03 of 09
Odd Pet Behavior
Cats and dogs (or even a pet rat or mouse) often display odd behavior in areas where rodents are present. It is most likely to occur when rodents have recently entered a structure.
If you see your pet pawing at an area it had previously no interest, get a flashlight and examine the area for rats or mice.
- 04 of 09
Tracks and Runways
If rodents are active in or around your home, they usually follow distinct runways and tracks leaving smudge marks, footprints, urine stains, or droppings, usually along walls.
Tracks or runways can be detected with a flashlight or blacklight held at an angle toward the suspected area. Not sure? Place a light layer of flour or baby powder on the area. If the rodents are active, you will see their footprints in the powder.
Continue to 5 of 9 below - 05 of 09
Nests
Rodents use materials such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter to make their nests. The nest will be hidden but close to food and water sources. If you see gnawing or droppings, the nest is close by and must be removed.
- 06 of 09
Scratching Noises
If you hear things going bump in the night, it could be mice or rats. You might hear them scurrying beneath the floors, scampering around the cabinets, or burrowing behind walls and joists. You might even hear muffled squeaking.
- 07 of 09
Urine Pools
Rats and mice leave urine everywhere. Mice frequently urinate in the same spot around food stuffs creating pillars or small mounds of dirt, grease, and urine. Find the urine pools using a black or fluorescent light during your inspection.
- 08 of 09
Ammonia Odor
If an infestation is large, you may detect an ongoing stale ammonia smell indicating an active infestation. The odor is similar to a baby's diaper and differs from the odor of a dead mouse that could be stuck in the wall or hidden area. A dead mouse odor is unforgettable because it permeates the area with a sharp and pungent smell.
Continue to 9 of 9 below - 09 of 09
Allergic Reactions
If someone in your home is experiencing aggravated allergic and asthmatic reactions, it could be due to a rodent infestation. The animals' fur and droppings could be the problem.
Determining Rodent Infestation Size
If rodents are seen or heard at night but never during the day, the population has probably not become large and can be controlled with traps and bait. If you see any rodents during the day, numerous fresh droppings or new gnaw marks, the population has become quite large and you may require professional pest control services.
Identifying Mice vs. Rats
For the most successful elimination of a rodent infestation, determine whether you have mice or rats. Mice are curious and will investigate anything new. So setting a trap and putting it right in their path is the first step in getting rid of mice. Rats are just the opposite and will choose to avoid new things in their path until they have had time to get used to them. Because of their nature, place unset traps in the rat's path for several days before setting the traps.
How to Get Rid of a Mice Infestation
Act quickly when you suspect a mouse in the house to prevent a larger infestation. To get rid of mice, seal any holes or cracks where they are entering the house, cut off access to food and water by keeping food in glass containers and repairing leaks, and set traps to catch the rodents.
-
What number of mice or rats in a house is considered an infestation?
Typically, if you have over six mice or rats, that's a sign that you may have a nest, and, therefore an infestation. Rarely, will homes have over 10 mice or rats.
-
What attracts mice and rats to your house?
Food, water, and shelter are the main attractions for mice and rats. Keep your house clean, eliminate clutter, keep foodstuffs in sealed containers, and empty the garbage often.
-
What scents repel mice and rats?
Mice and rats dislike the smell of garlic, onion, hot peppers or chili powder, cleaning ammonia, bleach, mothballs, white vinegar, used coffee grounds, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, predator scents (cats, raccoons), and citronella oil.
-
Where do mice and rats go during the day?
During the day, mice and rats sleep hidden in their nests, squirreled away with nesting materials made of shredded paper, cardboard, insulation, or pieces of fabric. They often hide in walls, under appliances, and at the base of cabinets.