When it comes to pest infestations in the Dallas area, rodents are one of the most common culprits. If you suspect there are mice or rats in your Dallas home, then here are five common signs of a mouse or rat infestation to help you identify the pests and take the appropriate actions to eliminate the invasive critters.
Common Signs of a Mouse or Rat Infestation
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Droppings
When inspecting your home, the amount of droppings you find will give you a rough estimate of how small or large your rodent infestation has become. Where the droppings are will also tell you where to lay traps or bait. If the droppings are small and pointed on both ends, then you are dealing with a mouse infestation. However, if the droppings are a half inch or larger, then it is a rat infestation.
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Gnawed materials
Rats and mice must gnaw to keep their teeth in check; this means chewing through wires, cables, plastic piping, cardboard, drywall, and wooden support beams to dull their teeth. If you discover such costly and annoying damages, then you likely have a rodent infestation. However, the size of their gnawed holes will indicate whether you are dealing with rats or mice. For instance, if the gnawed holes are about the size of a dime and clear cut, you have a mouse infestation. If the gnawed holes are about the size of a quarter with torn edges, you have a rat infestation.
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Nests
Rat and mouse nests differ in location and material. If you find a nest that is made up of shredded paper, string, and other flexible materials, it is likely due to a mouse infestation. If the nest is in the attic insulation or outside burrowed in deep vegetation, it is likely a rat infestation.
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Scampering noises
Rodents are nocturnal. Therefore, if you hear scratching noises at night you may be in the midst of a rodent infestation. When you get up to inspect, look out for the physical characteristics of the rodents to determine which critter is infesting your property as rats and mice differ in size and appearance. Mice are six to seven inches long, have large ears, tiny black eyes, and black, grey or brown fur. Meanwhile, rats are 11 to 19 inches long, have coarse red, brown, grey or black fur, and a long scaly tail.
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Your pet is behaving strangely
Pets are always on red alert to protect their home. If they are acting skittish, bark for no apparent reason, or start to paw at small spaces under the refrigerator, stove, or furniture, then you should take it as evidence of an infestation and call a rodent removal expert to determine the species you are dealing with and swiftly remove them.
Expert Dallas Mouse and Rat Infestation Removal
At Critter Control® of Dallas, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to unwanted critters inside your home or workplace. If you are dealing with a rodent infestation, rely on our licensed and trained mice and rat removal experts to help with all of your wildlife control and prevention needs. Give us a call today at 817-222-1101 to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate.
