With winter fast approaching, mice and rats will be on the lookout for shelter where they can keep safe during this season. This usually starts in September in Maryland, with nighttime temperatures starting to fall. By the time there is a cold snap, it is likely that rodents will have found their way into your house.
While you might not see a mouse or a rat, droppings, scratching noises, and damage to food packaging are indications that rodents have started looking for shelter in your house. Recognizing these signs early can help you address the problem before it becomes a larger infestation.
Why Rodents Start Looking for Shelter Early
Rodents need food, water, and shelter all year round. When the temperature begins to drop, the house can provide an ideal place for rodents to make their nest and hide.
Mice can get into holes that are approximately the size of a pencil. Cracks around pipes, vents, doors, and the house’s foundation can provide entry points to the interior. They can nest in basements, attics, garages, and kitchens.
Because mice reproduce quickly, early action can help prevent a small problem from becoming a larger infestation.
Scratching Sounds in Walls or Ceilings
Scratching and scurrying noises from within the walls, ceilings, and attics may be signs of a rodent infestation. You can notice these sounds mostly at night when there are fewer distractions inside your house, and rodents are quite active.
However, not all noises indicate the presence of rodents, but repeated scratching is worth investigating.
Droppings in the Pantry, Basement, or Garage
The droppings of mice are small, dark, and resemble grains of rice. Those of rats tend to be bigger.
Inspect your kitchen cabinets, pantry shelves, underneath sinks, and baseboards. Droppings might also be found in your basement, garage, or even attic in places where there are boxes and food.
If you discover more droppings after you clean the area, the rodents may still be around. Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings since this will send contaminated particles into the air. Keep children and pets away and follow appropriate cleanup precautions.
Gnaw Marks on Food Packaging, Wood, or Wiring
Rodents chew materials as they search for food and move through your home. Check for ripped food packages, chew marks on wood or cardboard, and holes in storage areas.
Pay close attention to electrical wires, which could present a fire hazard if the insulation is gnawed. If you find damaged wiring, avoid handling it and contact a qualified electrician.
Nesting Materials, Greasy Marks, and Unusual Odors
Rodents may also leave clues in areas that aren’t checked regularly. Look for:
- Shredded paper or insulation: Mice and rats use these materials to build nests in quiet, sheltered spaces.
- Dark marks along walls or baseboards: Rats may leave greasy marks along walls where they repeatedly travel.
- Strong or unusual odors: Rodent urine can produce a noticeable smell in enclosed spaces, such as cabinets or storage areas.
- Changes in pet behavior: A dog or cat repeatedly sniffing or pawing at one spot may have noticed activity behind a wall or under an appliance.
These clues can help you identify a possible problem, especially when several appear together. Droppings, gnaw marks, nesting materials, and unusual odors are all common signs of rats or mice in a home.
Check Your Home for Entry Points
Look for any gaps around pipes, vents, doors, garage doors, and the foundation of the house. In addition, any damage to window screens and openings between exterior materials are possible means of entry.
To make your home less attractive to rodents from entering the house, keep all food and animal feed in airtight containers, keep garbage covered, and limit clutter in basements, attics, and garages.
If you suspect rodents are already inside, have the situation assessed before sealing entry points. Closing an opening without addressing existing activity can leave rodents trapped in walls or other enclosed spaces.
Schedule a Rodent Inspection Before Winter
You don’t have to wait until you see a mouse running across the floor to take action. If you notice signs of rodent activity, Womack Pest Control can inspect your home and identify areas that need attention.
We offer same-day and emergency appointments when available, along with service plans that include rodent control and free re-treatments under the applicable plan terms.
If you’ve noticed signs of rodents around your home, contact us to schedule an inspection before the problem gets worse. Addressing the issue early can help you prepare your home for winter.