Lets face it, no one wants to imagine there are disease ridden rodents scuttling around your home at night, but these infestations are much more common than you might think. In fact, according to the Rodent X Pest Control, rodents invade over 277,870 homes in the UK each year alone, which is an unbelievably high number. So whats the answer to preventing a full-blown infestation? It’s catching the problem early. But how do you even know if you have problem in the first place? Here are seven warning signs along with expert advice on how to address each issue.
1. Scratching or Biting Sounds, Usually at Night
One of the earliest and most common signs of a rodent problem is scratching or gnawing noises in your walls, ceiling, or loft space. Rats are constantly chewing to keep their teeth short, and they are also nocturnal so these sounds typically become more noticeable after dark. Some sounds you might hear are:
• Scratching or scurrying noises as they move around
• Light thumping sounds as they jump or drop from one level to another
• Squeaking or chirping, particularly from mice
What to do: First, try to identify where the sounds are coming from. This can help you locate their entry points and travel routes. Consider setting up ultrasonic repellent devices in these areas, which emit high-frequency sounds that rodents find unpleasant. However, remember that these should be part of a broader pest control strategy, not your only solution.
2. Droppings in Hidden Areas
For a technician the absolute most clear cut sign of an mouse or rat infestation is the presence of droppings. Mouse droppings are small (about 1/4 inch) and shaped like dark grains of rice, while rat droppings are larger (about 3/4 inch) and more capsule shaped. Common areas to find droppings include:
• Under sinks
• Along skirting boards
• In the kitchen kick boards
• In your meter cupboard
• In your loft space
• Behind appliances such as your fridge
• In drawers and cupboards
What to do: If you find droppings, don’t touch them! Rodent droppings can carry a number of highly dangerous diseases. If you must, wear gloves and a mask while cleaning, and use a disinfectant spray or just hoover up the area thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum contents in an outdoor bin. The quantity and freshness of droppings can help determine the severity of your problem, and if its a current or previous one.
3. Chew Marks and Damaged Materials
Rodents have continuously growing teeth that they need to wear down by gnawing. This behaviouroften leaves visible evidence around your home:
• Chew marks on wood, especially around doors and windows
• Damaged food packaging
• Shredded paper or cardboard
• Chewed electrical wires (a serious fire hazard!)
• Holes in walls or floors, especially wood flooring
What to do: Inspect damaged areas carefully to determine if the gnawing is recent. Replace damaged materials, especially electrical wiring immediately. Use metal sheeting or steel wool to cover holes and entry points, rodents don’t like wire wool as it iterates their skin and eyes.
4. Grease Marks Along Walls
Rodents tend to find a pathway around your home fairly early on, and like to stick to it when continuously moving through your home. Their oily fur leaves dark, greasy, disgusting marks along walls and floorboards. These “running tracks” are especially noticeable with rats, who tend to follow the same routes night after night, and are much larger in size, therefore leaving more of a mark.
What to do: Clean these marks with a strong degreasing agent. More importantly, use these tracks to identify high-traffic areas where you should focus your baiting efforts. Also keep food away from these areas.
5. Unusual Pet Behaviour
Your pets might notice rodent activity before you do. Watch for these behavioural changes:
• Dogs scratching or pawing at walls or specific areas
• Cats staring intently at walls or ceilings
• Unusual alertness or excitement, especially at night
• Unexplained barking or meowing at specific areas
What to do: Pay attention to where your pets focus their attention, and if they seem especially irritated, there could be a rodent present. Investigate these areas, remove or seal any food close by in sealed plastic containers, and stay away if you are especially worried or scared.
6. Nesting Materials and Evidence
Rodents create nests using soft, fibrous materials they find around your home. You might discover:
• Shredded paper
• Torn fabric
• Pulled insulation
• Plant matter
• String or twine
• Bits of cloth or furniture stuffing
What to do: If you find nesting materials, wear protective clothing such as gloves and remove them as soon as possible! Store fabrics in sealed containers and remove easily accessible paper products.
Also check your insulation regularly for damage.
7. Strange Odours
A rodent infestation often produces distinctive odours:
• A musky, ammonia-like smell from urine• Putrid odours if a rodent dies in your walls
• Stale, fetid smells in enclosed spaces
What to do: Follow your nose to locate problem areas. If the smell is extremely strong and you have previously used poison bait, it could be a dead mouse or rat in your property. In this case it’s always best to call a professional to locate and remove it, in the most hygienic way possible, as believe me, you don’t want to smell a decomposing rat for any longer than absolutely necessary!
Taking Action: Your Rodent Control Game Plan
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it’s time to take action. Here’s your step-by-step plan:
Immediate Steps:
1. Seal all potential entry points (gaps larger than 1/4 inch)
2. Remove food sources by storing everything in sealed containers
3. Clean thoroughly and maintain strict cleanliness
4. Set appropriate traps in strategic locations
Long-term Solutions:
1. Schedule regular inspections of your home’s exterior
2. Maintain your yard by keeping grass short and removing debris
3. Trim tree branches that provide roof access
4. Consider professional pest control services for ongoing prevention
When to Call a Professional
While DIY methods can be effective for minor problems, consider professional help if:
• You see rodents during daylight hours (indicating a large population)
• DIY methods haven’t worked after two weeks
• You have children or pets that could be at risk from traps or bait
• The infestation appears to be widespread
• You’re unsure about the extent of the problem
Prevention is Key
Remember, the best way to deal with a rodent problem is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Look around the outside of your home, and fill any holes, even small ones with concrete to prevent them from entering. Try not to leave bags of rubbish outside, and when possible keep cupboard food in plastic containers, this should remove anything attracting them. And if you do think you have a rodent infestation, act as soon as possible! The longer you leave it, the more time they have to multiply, and the more damage they can do!
If you are looking for a local Manchester pest control company, why not give Rodent X a call today. We cover all areas of Greater Manchester including Oldham, Middleton, Stockport, Chadderton, Failsworth, Aston-Under-Lyne, Gorton, Deansgate, Beswick, Clayton, Newton Heath, Prestwich, and many more in the surrounding area.