Signs you have a rodent problem in your Atlanta home
- Live rodents
Spotting a rodent in your home, whether a mouse darting across the floor or a rat in your garage, is an undeniable sign that rodents have invaded your structure. - Rodent droppings
One of the most evident signs of rodents is finding droppings around your home. Mouse droppings are typically small, dark, and often resembling grains of rice. On the other hand, rat droppings are dark brown or black, cylindrical, and larger than mouse droppings. They may resemble raisins. Look for rodent droppings in kitchen pantries, behind appliances, inside cabinets, under sinks, or in basements and attics. - Chew marks & gnawed belongings
Mice and rats must chew constantly to keep their incisors from growing too long. Unfortunately, this means they’ll gnaw on anything they pass by, including, but not limited to, electrical wires, cardboard boxes, furniture, building materials, and food packaging. If you find gnawed edges or holes, it’s a strong indicator of rodent activity. - Nocturnal noises
As mentioned above, rodents are nocturnal, so if you hear scratching, squeaking, or scampering sounds at night, it could mean mice or rats are active inside your walls, ceilings, or attic. They may even be creeping out of hiding places to find food in your kitchen. - Nesting materials
Rodents create nests using shredded paper, fabrics, insulation, and plant material, among other items they find while foraging. Check attics, basements, and storage areas for signs of these rodent nests. - Greasy rub marks
As rodents move along walls, they leave behind greasy rub marks. These dark streaks can become more noticeable over time, especially in areas where rodents frequently travel. - Unpleasant odors
Rodent urine and droppings can produce unpleasant smells. In some cases, a persistent odor could also indicate a dead rodent in a hidden spot. Pay attention to any unusual smells around your home. - Strange pet behavior
Pets often sense mice and rats before humans do. If your cat or dog becomes unusually fixated on a particular area or starts pawing at walls or other places, they might be detecting rodent activity.
Is it safe to live in a house infested by rodents?
Mice and rats are far more than a nuisance pest problem—these critters can jeopardize health and can damage property, too. Here’s why it’s essential to address an infestation right away:
- Mice and rats are known to carry harmful germs and bacteria that can cause illnesses such as salmonella, a type of food poisoning, and leptospirosis. These diseases spread through their droppings, urine, and saliva. Rodents can also worsen allergies and asthma, especially for individuals who are more sensitive.
- Rodents are relentless chewers, often gnawing through electrical wires, insulation, and even pipes. This kind of damage can result in expensive repairs—and in the case of damaged wiring, it could create a serious fire hazard. On top of that, rodents leave behind droppings and urine, contaminating insulation and harming other materials throughout your home.
- Rodents may also introduce fleas and ticks onto the properties they infest, which can lead to additional problems that may affect people and pets.
What to do if you suspect rodent activity in your home
At the first sign of a rodent problem, skip the DIY rodent control and reach out to the local pest control experts at got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions for assistance. Our team of experienced pest control specialists has been helping homeowners in Metro Atlanta protect their properties with comprehensive pest control services since 2006.
Our year-round home pest control services include:
- An initial inspection to identify existing pest activity and locate potential entry points and conducive conditions. We follow that with an initial pest treatment focused on the exterior perimeter and the inside of the house if pests have made it inside.
- Regular pest treatments every four months to keep insects and rodents away. Our service primarily targets the exterior, but if you spot any covered pests indoors, let us know—we'll handle them right away.
- We offer free re-treatment services between scheduled visits. If you see a covered pest problem, call us, and we’ll come back to take care of it at no additional cost.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a free pest control quote!