Did you know that 45 percent of rodent issues occur in the fall and winter? Now is the time of year that mice and rats tend to move indoors in search of food, water, and shelter, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of a rodent infestation.

Clark, California’s friendly pest, rodent, mosquito, and termite control expert, would like to make you aware of the signs that rodents may be present in your home.

What to look for

Droppings: Finding mice or rat droppings around your home is one of the most common signs of a rodent infestation. These pellets measure 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and are often left behind in places where food is stored, such as kitchen cabinets or pantries. You 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 disease pathogens such as Salmonella and hantavirus, and can trigger allergies. Mice can produce more than 50 droppings a day, so prompt removal using protective gloves is key to keeping your 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 rats are also known to gnaw on wires behind walls, which can increase the risk of 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 your home, it might be time to call Clark Pest Control to perform an inspection.

Unusual noises: Are you hearing strange noises in your home’s walls or attic, especially at night? 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 areas in a home that are easily overlooked during the pest-proofing process. Make sure that you keep this area well-ventilated and dry, and choose to store any of your family heirlooms in sealed plastic containers rather than in cardboard boxes.

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.

If you recognize any of these signs of a rodent infestation, take action without delay. Rodents are not only a nuisance; they can multiply fast, and they are known to spread more than 35 diseases. They are also capable of chewing through drywall and even electrical wiring in your home, which increases the risk for a potential fire.

If you suspect that rodents have moved into your home this winter, call California’s trusted, friendly rodent control and prevention expert at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.  

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home.