We’ve all had the terrifying experience of watching a mouse skitter across the floor at some point in our life. While mice are adorable in some situations, they are undoubtedly the most terrifying thing to see unexpectedly in the afternoon. While seeing mice can be unsettling, seeing rats can be even more so. Here are several methods for evaluating whether your home has mice or rats chewing on your furnishings.
The Smell of Rodents
One of the most powerful and evident signs of a rodent infestation is the stink of mouse urine. Although it is minor in contrast to rat urine, we can often notice the aroma of mice’s pee. You might be asking how you would be able to tell the difference. Assume you have rats rather than mice if your pantry suddenly starts to smell like days-old cheese.
However, if the infestation has grown to the point where you can smell the rodents, determining which rodent is running around in your home may be pointless. As a result, contact our team to ensure that your home does not smell like a dumpster.
There Size
Because rats are much larger than mice, finding the running rodents is the easiest way to tell them apart. Rats can grow to be eighteen inches long, while mice are normally four inches long with short tails. We can already hear your eyes rolling, but it’s important to note that because of their size, their droppings may provide a clue if you can’t identify the rodents.
The size of the animal that exited the room is determined by the presence of rodent droppings. Mouse droppings are typically small, measuring less than a half-inch in diameter. Rat droppings, on the other hand, can be as large as a half-inch in diameter, which is comparable to rice grains.
Chew and Claw Markings
While both mice and rats may wreak havoc on your pantry and furnishings, their gnaw scars will distinguish them. Rats make larger teeth impressions on items or surfaces, whereas mice make tiny teeth impressions. You almost surely have mice if you see small scratches and chew marks on a surface.
Make a conscious effort to be aware of any cables or other furniture in your home. Because mice favor softer materials for their nests, they may leave few marks on your furniture, but rats are a different story. Rats can gnaw through a wide range of hard surfaces, so if you notice frayed cable or holes in your walls, you might have a new rat pal.
Exterminating Rodents
Whether you have rats or mice, you may be asking how to keep them out of your home. To be sure, keeping a clutter-free house is the best course of action. Cleaning your home regularly keeps rodents from finding food in your trash or anywhere else you’ve recently eaten. Even routine sweeping can help dissuade rodents from seeking refuge in your home.
Check for leaks in your pipes, as the extra moisture will encourage rodents to build nests nearby. Take the time to seal any non-refrigerated food! While rats may chew through some packages, leaving food exposed or inadequately sealed makes it easier for rodents to find it. Finally, try to patch up any cracks or holes you see throughout your home. If you are not paying attention, rodents will enter your home through holes in your windows and walls.
Rodent management is one of our expertise at TNT Pest Solutions, LLC. Give us a call at (470) 750-2400, and we’ll make sure your home is rodent-free.