Rodents or rats in the house are hard to detect unless there is a severe infestation. They not only make an individual uncomfortable but are also a cause of several health hazards. It is crucial to keep your home safe from rats. But how do you know if you actually have a rodent infestation in your house? In this article, we will explore in detail about various warning signs of rodent infestation in the house.
Rodent Droppings
It is an obvious sign of rat infestation in the house. Rodent droppings are dark and moist but over time they become dry and grey. If you see rodent droppings in and around your house, then it is sure that at least one rat or rodent is there in your house. Rodent droppings are usually found in kitchen cabinets, pantries, and below furniture.
Foul Smell
If you notice an unpleasant smell in your house, it is an indication that rodents are around. Rodent urine has a foul smell that can trigger your nose and it may smell like stale ammonia. You may not notice this smell if you have only one or two rats in the house. This smell is noticeable in severe infestations. Also, the smell of a dead rat has a foul smell that will stay for days and weeks.
Gnaw Marks
Rodents will chew through food packages, cardboard boxes, wires, cables, clothes, dry walls, files and documents. If you see holes in clothes and bite marks on food packets, it is a clear indicator of rat infestation in the house. The larger the bite, the larger will be the rat in your house.
Rodent Nests
Rodents also make nests in the house so that they can hide easily. They create these nests from paper, clothes, and organic matter. If you see a pile of such things in your house, then surely a rat is going to make its nest. They also create tunnels and burrows beneath buildings, slabs, and other structures. They are mostly found in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
Scratching or Scampering Sound
As rodents are mostly active in the nighttime, you may hear the sound of scratching on your walls or chewing sounds. They hunt and forage for food in the dark hours. You may also feel shuffling sounds coming from inside the walls. These creatures can even burry inside your walls, so you can hear scurrying sounds.
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Chewed Wires and Cables
If you see chewed cables and wires in your home, it is a sure sign of rodent infestation. They chew wires and cables to grind their teeth which never stops growing. Visible bite marks on wiring and cables, flickering lights, malfunctioning appliances, and frequently tripped circuits an indicators that your home is infested with rats.
Rodent Runaways
Rodents usually use the same path to move inside your house from one place to another. Their fur accumulates grease, dirt, and oil as they walk through dusty tunnels and filthy paths. Rats stick to their well-traveled routine pathways on their way to and from food and water sources. If you see streaks of dirt on your floor or smudges and spots, it is an indication that a rodent problem is there in the house.
Unusual Behavior of Your Pets
Pets like cats and dogs can notice rat’s presence in your house much before you can. Your pet will notice a new smell or rat movement in the house as they have excellent hearing and smell sense. If you find scattered pet food or it is disappearing, it is a clear sign that rodents are there in your house.
Allergic Reactions
If someone in your house is experiencing aggravated allergic or asthmatic reactions, it could be due to rodent infestation in the house. The rodent’s fur and droppings could trigger the problem. Some people may also develop skin weal and itching if they come into direct contact with rats.
When you suspect a rodent infestation in the house, it is important to take necessary actions to get rid of these filthy creatures before it becomes a larger infestation. Seal all the holes and entry points to prevent rats from entering your property. You can also cut their food and water supply by storing food items in enclosed containers. Fixing the plumbing issues will reduce their access to water making your home less appealing to rats.
Conclusion
Rats are the most annoying household pests. Be cautious if you see the above signs of rodent presence in your house. Do not delay the process and implement effective rat control and prevention measures to get rid of rodents in the house. If you are suffering from a severe infestation, hire a professional pest control in Patna that can perform a thorough home inspection which will help to identify the type of rodent you are dealing with. A professional pest exterminator will use the best and most effective method for eliminating rats from your property.
