Signs of a Rodent Infestation
A visual sighting of rodents is not always required to determine their presence. Some ways of identifying if you have a Rodent Infestation are outlined below.
Call: 012 97 441 272
To speak to a friendly, professional pest controller, and NOT a National Call centre.
Two typical signs of the presence of rodents tat can be seen both internally and externally are; damage to packaging and food, damage to building supplies. If suspicious damage is found then we can further inspect the teeth marks to try and get a better clue of what type of rodent it may be. For example, mice tend to nibble from the centre of a grain, whereas rats often leave half grains or small pieces of debris.
Common indicators of how recent the activity is can sometimes be gained depending on the material that the damage has been done to. For example, if the gnawed item is wood, then generally speaking, the freshly gnawed surface will have a lighter appearance than if it were say left for a few days. Another useful indicator that can sometimes be useful is if small chiselled pieces or cuttings are discovered in the vicinity, but are spread around the area rather than in a pile under the gnawed material.
Holes made by rodents are also a useful indicator as to at least what the rodent is and the potential routes it may be taking, however one mistake people often make is overlooking holes they think are “Probably” too small. Holes made by a rat are approximately 8cm (2 1/2″) and holes made my mice are approximately 2cm (less than an inch) in diameter.
One thing to consider if you are inspecting your property is that Brown Rat nests/burrows are very easily recognizable and usually not too difficult to find because they prefer to live and nest in the ground. This is not the case for Black Rats or Mice, which generally conceal their nests.
House mice living in and around buildings tend not to use burrows but do instead build nests in places such as cavity walls, attics and between floors etc. The age of a Rat and Mouse burrow can be roughly determined by how well worn they appear. For example, if there are holes leaving the area that are covered in dust and cobwebs then generally it can be assumed that the wholes at least are not being used. However, holes in current use will likely be slick, dust free and beaten down through use.
Rodents tend to use the same runs regularly and ‘Smear’ marks can often be found running too and from holes and runs. These smear marks are build ups of grease, dirt, and natural oils from their fur, where they have made contact with surfaces. This is quite often found where the rodent needs to maneuver its way up or down on its route. When found outdoors these runs can appear as lines roughly 5-7cm wide that have been trampled into grass or vegetation for example. They can be found along the side of building walls, in embankments and under the likes of heavy bushes and vegetative areas.
Droppings are also a large indicator of an infestation, however, it is important to try and distinguish between aged droppings and fresh droppings. A brown Rat’s droppings are the largest and can be found with various shapes from bluntly rounded ends to pointy wound up shapes. Black Rat droppings are generally smaller and more regular in form with a banana like curve, with ends that are generally pointed.
Mouse Droppings are very small and are sometimes confused with Cockroach or Bat droppings. Cockroach droppings are much smaller than mouse droppings and identified by blunt, squared off ends and ridges. Mouse droppings tend to be solid from the moment they are excreted, whereas Bat droppings tend to crumble and flake into an almost sparkly dust when rolled around which is due to the winged insects that they eat. Mouse droppings will tend to be soft enough to press out of shape when fresh, however this isnt always the case and it is important to be wary of identifying a mice infestation based on droppings alone.
Rodents feces colour varies depending on what their diet is, but usually are black or nearly black. Within several days, depending on the climate and conditions, droppings may become dry and hard, and over an extended period of time they may become greyish and dusty in appearance and crumble easily.
The most positive proof of a current infestation is to actually see the rodent. However, because rodents are generally nocturnal and particularly secretive in their habits, live animals are rarely seen.
Rodents also make distinct noises which may identify their presence and location, however unless the area is quiet the noises are rarely heard. Urine stains, hairs or the typical hamster pet smell of rodents will often be found in the presence of an infestation.
Specializing in Wildlife Management and Pest Control, Regis Pest Control offers services for Pest Bird Control, Rodent infestations, Bedbugs, Fleas, Bees, Wasps and various other common pests.
Call: 012 97 441 272
To speak to a friendly, professional pest controller, and NOT a National Call centre.
Speak to a local professional pest controller to have your rodent problem resolved quickly and cleanly.