On cold days and nights in New England, mice and rats look for a place to spend the cold winter. During the warmer months, rodents prefer to live outdoors, making burrows in tall grassy areas or amongst hollow logs and tree roots. Once it gets cold and their food sources dry up, rodents will find their way into a shelter—such as a shed, barn, or your home–and bundle up for the winter, snacking on the best available food items.
Rodents are mainly a nuisance pest, but they can damage wood or wiring, as well as contaminate food. So how do you know if you have a rodent problem?
Droppings
Finding mouse or rat droppings around the home is the number one way people usually realize they have a rodent issue. Droppings are small and pellet-shaped and typically found in areas where food is stored, such as the cabinets or pantry.
Gnaw Marks
Rodents can cause serious damage to your home by chewing through almost any material, including cardboard, wood, even plastic! If you find small holes (dime to quarter size) with tiny teeth marks around your home, you might have need of an inspection.
Nests
Rodents prefer nesting in dark secluded areas. House mice typically make their nests from shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. Look out for these materials scattered around the house.
Tracks or rub marks
Rats and mice tend to have oily fur and can leave dark dirt or grease marks along the floor or walls as they make their way to and from the nest.
Strange noises
If you hear unusual scratching, clawing, or scurrying sounds coming from the walls or attic, it could be a few types of pests but rodents are highly likely.
Seeing a rodent
This one is obvious, but if you see a rodent, there’s a good chance it has friends nearby! Rodents multiply exponentially and continue doing so through the winter, so don’t wait to act if you see one!
Check out our mice and rat prevention tips to rodent-proof your house this winter. And as always, feel free to call Graduate with any pest-related concerns!