Did you know you could have a rodent problem in your home, even if you never see a mouse? Learn to recognize the signs of an infestation and what you can do to stop it before it becomes severe.

Signs of a Rodent Problem

Mice and rats may be foraging for food around your home and gathering nesting materials in spaces you don’t see, until it’s too late. You’re more likely to notice these signs before you actually see the small, fury creature:

• Chew marks on food packaging
• Droppings around food storage, cabinets, and under the sink
• Shredded paper and/or fabric (nesting material)
• Small holes in walls near the floor with chew marks around the edges
• Stale smell in hidden areas

Once you notice these signs, it’s time to consider your pest control options. It’s also important to discourage rodents from sticking around.

Pest Prevention Techniques

Once you see the signs of pests, it’s too late to stop them from coming in. But you can still stop them from returning by making your home less hospitable to pests.

• Seal holes indoors and out. Pay attention to vented areas and where utility lines enter the home.
• Clear leaf piles and prune back shrubs around the foundation. These spaces make ideal nesting areas and lure rodents too close to your property.
• Keep garbage sealed in containers with a tight lid.
• Store food in plastic containers off the floor.
• Fix any leaks and improve drainage to limit sources of water in and around your home.
• Promptly clean up crumbs and spills.
• Turn compost piles to cover fresh food scraps.
• Stop feeding outdoor birds while you are controlling a pest infestation.

If you’ve followed these prevention methods and still notice signs of a rodent problem, commercial control options (such as traps and baits) may not be enough. Contact Cardinal Pest for a free inspection and professional pest control services. Our specialized technicians offer safe and effective rodent solutions for your home or business.