Rodents rank as the # 1 pest Americans are most afraid of encountering in their homes. Beyond being a nuisance and threat to your property, rodents can spread more than 35 diseases, including Salmonella and hantavirus, making proper prevention vital to protecting the health of you and your family

Clark, your neighborly pest control, termite and rodent control expert, wants California and northern Nevada homeowners to rest easy, we have you covered.

October 20 - 26 is national Rodent Awareness Week and Clark Pest Control wants to share some of the telltale signs’ rodents may be inside your home and what steps you can take to snuff out any rodent threat.

Signs of Rodents

According to the National Pest Management Association, an estimated 21 million U.S. homes are invaded by rodents annually and they often leave their calling card when they find their way into a home or apartment. Some are more subtle than others but here are the signs to look for: 

• Droppings - Rodent droppings are a sure sign that rats or mice are present, and will indicate the type of rodent, the size of the infestation, and where they are most active. Mouse droppings are small, less than one quarter inch, and pointed on both ends. Rat droppings are half an inch or larger. New droppings are shiny and putty-like in texture, while old ones are hard and crumbly. Varying feces sizes indicate that juveniles and adults are present, and lots of droppings may be an indication of a large infestation.
• Urine Odors - Rodent urine has a strong musky odor. With large infestations you can easily smell it.
• Gnawed Holes - Gnawed mouse holes are small, clear-cut, and about the size of a dime. Gnawed rat holes are large, about the size of a quarter, with rough torn edges.
• Rub and Gnaw Marks - Oily rub marks are left in places where rodents travel along walls. If rub marks smear, you know they are fresh. Gnaw marks on wood around the house also are a sign. Tooth marks about one eighth inch long are typical of rats and small scratch marks are a sign of mice.
• Rodent Pathways - Common rodent pathways are generally along interior walls, building foundations, ledges, pipes, electrical wires, conduits, tree branches and fence rails.
• Nesting Materials - Mice will shred paper, string, and other pliable materials to build their nests indoors. Norway rats nest outdoors in burrows deep in the ground. Roof rats typically nest above ground in attics, trees, or dense vegetation.
• Unexplained Noises - Rodents are nocturnal. At night they often create scratching sounds as they run inside walls and along floors.
• Unusual Pet Behavior - Pets tend to act unusually when they hear or smell rodents in the house. They may appear extremely alert, bark, or begin to paw at spaces beneath refrigerators, stoves, or low-clearance pieces of furniture.

Rodent Prevention Tips

To keep rodents from becoming a threat to your house this fall (and all year long), Clark Pest Control offers the following tips:

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
• Add screen vents and openings to chimneys.
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
• Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages brought into the home.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.

Rodent Control from Clark Pest Control

Call California’s trusted, friendly rodent control expert at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or send an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to schedule your home wellness check and keep rodents on the outside looking in.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for help keeping unwanted pests out of your home and yard.