Rodent infestations can cause significant damage to your home and pose serious health risks. Rats and mice are notorious for spreading diseases, damaging property, and contaminating food sources.
While some homeowners may attempt to handle the situation on their own, knowing when to call in a professional exterminator is crucial for both the health and safety of your household.
To protect your home, it’s important to recognise the signs of a rodent infestation early. Professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to tackle the problem effectively and prevent future issues.
Here’s how to identify the signs and determine when it’s time to hire a professional.
Let’s get straight to the point
Rodent infestations can cause serious health risks and property damage.
Signs of an infestation include gnawing marks, rodent tracks, holes in walls, unusual noises, shredded materials, pet agitation, droppings, musty odours, and chewed food containers.
While DIY efforts can help, professional rodent control is recommended if you notice these signs, face recurring issues, or encounter severe infestations.
Professionals have the tools and expertise to safely remove rodents, repair damage, and prevent future infestations. Acting quickly and consulting an expert ensures the health and safety of your home and family.
Signs You Need Professional Rodent Control
Gnaw Marks on Various Surfaces
Rodents, particularly rats and mice, have ever-growing teeth, requiring them to constantly gnaw on materials like wood, plastic, and even electrical wiring.
If you find chew marks on furniture, doors, or cables, it’s a clear sign of rodent activity.
Damaged electrical wiring is especially concerning, as it can pose a fire hazard. Professional pest control services are necessary to address this issue before it leads to more severe problems.
Rodent Tracks and Grease Marks
Rodents have oily fur that leaves greasy streaks along the surfaces they frequently travel on.
If you notice greasy marks along the walls or countertops, especially in the kitchen, it’s a sign that rodents are making themselves comfortable in your home.
In such cases, hiring a rodent control professional will help eliminate the problem and advise on how to prevent further infestations.
New Holes in Walls or Floors
Rodents often create new entry points to access food and shelter. If you find small holes in your walls or floors, these could be rodent burrows.
Typically, mouse holes are about the size of a small coin and have clean edges, while rat holes are larger with ragged edges.
Once you identify these holes, it’s essential to cover them up and consult a professional rodent control service to ensure no other entry points are left exposed.
Unusual Noises in Walls and Ceilings
Rodents are nocturnal, so you’ll often hear them moving around at night.
Scratching or scurrying sounds from within the walls or ceiling are early indicators of an infestation.
These noises can be unsettling and indicate that rodents are nesting in hidden areas of your home.
If you hear these noises, it’s time to call in a professional rodent exterminator to investigate the source and remove the pests.
Shredded Materials and Nesting Evidence
Rodents use shredded materials such as paper, fabric, and fibres to create nests.
You may find these nests in dark, undisturbed areas such as attics, basements, or behind furniture. This is a sure sign that rodents have settled in and are breeding.
A professional pest control service can safely remove the nests and take steps to prevent rodents from returning.
Unusual Pet Behaviour
Your pets, especially dogs and cats, may alert you to a rodent problem before you even notice it.
Pets have heightened senses of smell and hearing, and they may become unusually excited or anxious in areas where rodents are present.
If your pet is pawing at walls or furniture or acting restless, it’s time to investigate further and consider contacting a professional rodent control expert.
Visible Droppings and Urine Trails
One of the most obvious signs of a rodent infestation is the presence of droppings.
You’ll often find them in hidden places such as kitchen cabinets, under appliances, and along baseboards. Rodent droppings are small, black, and pellet-like.
In addition to droppings, you may notice urine trails, which can produce a musty odour.
These signs should be addressed promptly to avoid health risks, as rodent excrement can carry diseases. A professional pest control service will ensure proper cleaning and rodent removal.
Strange or Musty Odours
A musty smell in your home, especially in areas like basements or attics, could indicate a rodent infestation. This odour often comes from urine, droppings, or even decaying rodents.
Handling a dead rodent yourself can be hazardous, as it may carry diseases. Instead, rely on a professional pest control company to safely remove the rodents and sanitise the area.
Chewed Food Containers
Rodents are attracted to food, and if they’ve infested your home, you may notice chewed containers or damaged food packaging. Plastic, cardboard, and even metal containers aren’t safe from these pests.
To reduce the chances of a rodent infestation, keep your pantry organised, store food in airtight containers, and quickly dispose of food waste. However, if you already see chewed containers, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
How to Protect Your Home and Family from Rodents
Keep Your Home and Yard Clean
One of the most effective ways to prevent a rodent infestation is to maintain a clean and tidy home.
Rodents are attracted to areas with food and places to hide. Regularly clean up spills and crumbs, store perishables in sealed containers, and keep garbage bins tightly closed.
In addition, maintain your yard by mowing the lawn regularly and clearing away debris that could provide shelter for rodents.
Removing potential hiding spots outside your home reduces the risk of attracting pests indoors.
Seal Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through tiny openings, making it essential to seal all potential entry points.
Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and pipes, and use durable materials like caulk or foam insulation to block these access points.
Be thorough in checking areas such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, as rodents often use these spaces to enter your home. Sealing all potential entry points creates a strong barrier against rodents.
Consult a Professional Exterminator
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it’s best to consult a professional rodent control service.
Professionals can assess the severity of the infestation and create a customised plan to eliminate the rodents and prevent them from returning.
Professional pest control services have the tools and expertise to safely remove rodents and reduce the risk of future infestations. Their holistic approach ensures long-term protection for your home.
When to Call a Professional Rodent Control Service
Health and Safety Concerns
Rodents carry diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and rat-bite fever, which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
If you’re concerned about the health risks associated with a rodent infestation, it’s crucial to involve a professional exterminator who can handle the situation safely and efficiently.
Structural Damage
Rodents can cause significant damage to your home by gnawing on wires, insulation, and structural materials.
Left unchecked, this damage can become severe, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.
A professional pest control service will inspect your home, assess the damage, and provide solutions to restore your property’s safety.
Recurring Infestations
If you’ve attempted to handle a rodent problem on your own but find that the infestation keeps returning, it may be due to hidden entry points or nests that you haven’t identified.
A professional pest control expert can address the root cause of the problem and provide a more effective, long-term solution.
Escalating Infestation
If the infestation is getting worse despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in a professional.
Signs like increased droppings, noises in the walls, or bite marks on surfaces indicate that the rodent population is growing, and DIY solutions may no longer be effective.
Conclusion
To protect your home from the dangers of a rodent infestation, it’s important to act quickly when you spot the signs.
Whether it’s gnaw marks, unusual noises, or droppings, these indicators signal the need for professional help.
By involving a professional rodent control service, you ensure the health and safety of your home and family while preventing future infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Expect During A Professional Rodent Control Service?
During a professional rodent control service, technicians will thoroughly inspect your property to assess the extent of the infestation.
They will then develop a customised treatment plan tailored to your needs, including trapping, baiting, exclusion techniques, and ongoing monitoring to ensure effective eradication and prevention.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Rodents?
The time it takes to eliminate a rodent infestation depends on various factors, including the size of the infestation, the severity of the problem, and the effectiveness of the treatment methods used.
In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve complete eradication and prevent recurrence.
Is Professional Rodent Control Worth The Cost?
Investing in professional rodent control services is worth the cost, considering the potential health risks, property damage, and inconvenience associated with untreated infestations.
Professional exterminators can provide long-term solutions and peace of mind, ensuring the safety and well-being of your home and family.
Are There Any Eco-Friendly Options For Rodent Control?
Many rodent control companies offer eco-friendly and humane alternatives to traditional pest control methods.
These may include non-toxic baits, live traps, and exclusion techniques that safely remove rodents from your home without harming them or the environment.
How Can I Maintain Rodent Control After Treatment?
To maintain rodent control after treatment, practice good sanitation habits, seal entry points, eliminate food and water sources, and schedule regular inspections and maintenance with your pest control provider.
Proactively and vigilance can help prevent future infestations and protect your home from rodent damage.
