Rodents may seem small and harmless, but when they get into your home, they can be big trouble. From damaging property to spreading disease, an infestation can escalate quickly.
The sooner you spot the signs of a rodent problem, the easier it is to take action before it gets out of hand.
Many people only realise they have a rodent problem once it’s too late. But by looking out for the early warning signs, you can address the issue before it gets out of control.
Below are the top 5 signs you may have unwanted furry visitors in your home or business.
Droppings
One of the most obvious signs of a rodent infestation is droppings. Rodents leave small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings in areas where they are most active, such as kitchen cupboards, pantries and behind furniture.
Fresh droppings are moist, and older ones dry out and crumble when touched. If you see an increasing number of droppings, it’s a clear sign rodents are living in or passing through your property.
Check hidden areas like under sinks, inside drawers and along skirting boards regularly, and you’ll detect an infestation early. If you find droppings in these places, it’s crucial to clean them up safely using gloves and disinfectant, as rodent faeces can carry harmful bacteria.
But removing the droppings won’t solve the problem – you’ll need to get rid of the rodents themselves.
Noises at Night
Rodents are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. If you hear scratching, scurrying or gnawing sounds in your walls, ceiling or under the floorboards, you likely have a rodent problem.
These noises are often most noticeable when the house is quiet, especially in the evening or early morning.
Mice and rats use hidden spaces to travel around your home, often nesting in attics, lofts and basements.
If the noises persist, it’s important to investigate further by checking these areas for additional signs of infestation. The sooner you find their hiding spots, the sooner you can take action to remove them.
Gnaw Marks and Damaged Items
Rodents have strong teeth that never stop growing, so they need to gnaw on hard objects to file them down.
If you see gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, electrical wires or skirting boards, it’s a strong sign of an infestation. Mice leave smaller, finer marks, and rats leave larger, rougher damage.
Beyond the inconvenience of damaged household items, rodent chewing can be dangerous. Damaged electrical wires, for example, increase the risk of short circuits and even house fires.
If you see evidence of gnawing, you need to act fast before the rodents do more damage.
Nests and Burrows
Rodents seek warm, hidden spaces to build their nests often using shredded paper, fabric, insulation or other soft materials.
Finding a nest in your home is a clear sign rodents are not just passing through – they have settled in. Common nesting areas are lofts, cupboards, wall cavities and even the backs of appliances.
Burrowing rodents like rats may create tunnels in your garden, under sheds or near the foundations of your home. If you see small holes in the ground or disturbed soil, it could be an underground nesting site.
Regularly inspecting your property for signs of nests and burrows can help you detect an infestation before it gets out of hand.
Strong Odour
A persistent, unpleasant smell is another sign of a rodent problem.
Rodents leave behind urine and droppings that produce a strong, musky smell, especially in enclosed spaces like cupboards, under sinks and inside walls. If the infestation is severe, the smell may linger even after cleaning, as it can soak into materials like wood and fabric.
If a rodent dies in your home, the smell of decomposition can be overwhelming.
This can be especially tricky to find if the rodent is hidden in wall cavities or under floorboards. If you notice a strong, unpleasant smell that won’t go away, it’s worth investigating for other signs of infestation.
Conclusion
Spotting the early signs of a rodent infestation can save you time, money and stress in the long run.
Whether it’s droppings, unusual noises or damaged belongings, recognising these warning signs means you can act before the problem gets out of hand. Ignoring the issue could result in extensive property damage and health risks for you and your family.
Call a pro if you think you have a rodent problem. They have the skills and equipment to remove the rodents safely and stop them from coming back. Don’t wait – act now!
