Rodent Problems and Infestations: How to Determine Severity

Addressing a rodent problem typically comes on the heels of watching one suddenly scamper across the floor at home. Fortunately, there are ways to identify the problem before it becomes more severe. A thorough inspection of your home is a great way to identify what type of rodent you’re dealing with, their possible entry points, patterns of activity, and more.

Inspect Your Home

Inspect covered and dark spaces in your home such as behind or under furniture, in cupboards and closets, and behind appliances. Be sure to scan these areas thoroughly because rodents may nestle into places we wouldn’t necessarily expect them to.

This inspection should help you determine:

  • Where they are nesting
  • The severity of the problem
  • The cause of your problem

Determining the areas that they travel, nest, and eat in your home is an important aspect of removal. The most common causes of rodent infestation are due to spills, sanitation issues, access to pet food, and running water.

Tell Tale Signs of Rodent Infestation

There are a variety of tell-tale signs that signal rodents have taken up residence in your home.  If you see any of the following, it is time to call the professionals at Madsen’s:

  • An excess amount of droppings or noticeable scent of urine
  • Gnawed holes and scrapings, especially on wood in your home
  • Rodent nests
  • Questionable behavior from your pets

The images below show how to identify whether your visitor is a mouse or rat based on the droppings you may find:

Mouse dropping factsRat dropping facts

Rodent Control Solutions

Whether done professionally or independently by the homeowner, there are two main solutions for rodent control: traps and bait.

  • Traps – There are many traps available on the market, but snap traps and glue traps are the most popular. Snap traps are inexpensive and efficient. Glue traps reduce the risk of hurting yourself by accidently getting snapped while rigging or placing the trap.
  • Baits – Baits are easy to use and leave very little (if any) mess. Baits contain a poison and should be placed in areas of possible rodent infestation, entry, etc., while being aware of pet and child access. After ingesting the poison, rodents typically die within 1 – 2 days. Every 1oz. of bait block can kill up to 10 rodents.

There are many things to consider when trying to remove rodents from your home.  If you have an infestation, it’s important to make sure the job is done right the first time. Here at Madsen’s, we pride ourselves on doing a discreet, safe, and efficient job by eliminating your rodent problem and alleviating your concerns.

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