Signs Of Rodent Activity

Living in Maricopa County, you’re no stranger to desert life, but did you know mice and rats love it here, too? Yes, these rodents are a year-round problem and can cause quite a few issues once they make their way into homes and other structures. Before your home becomes a haven for nuisance and destructive mice and rats, take a few moments to learn more about these pests and how to tell if you’ve got unwanted visitors scurrying around your property.

How to tell if you have rodents in your yard

• Rodent droppings
  If rodents have crossed over your property lines and are exploring your yard and outbuildings, you may find rodent droppings. Check near woodpiles, in and around sheds, by trash cans, and along the foundation. Keep in mind that mouse droppings look like small grains of rice, only they’re black. Rat droppings are larger and may appear shiny and moist. If you see gray, hard, or powdery droppings, it’s likely old, and whatever rodent was checking out on your property moved on.
• Rodent holes or burrows
  Certain rodents dig holes in the ground. Norway rats are an excellent example of this. They like to create burrows underneath surface objects. If you have a pile on the ground in your yard, examine the perimeter for ground holes.
• Rodent damage
  Both mice and rats have teeth that constantly grow, so they gnaw on wood, plastic, and just about anything they can find to keep them short. Unfortunately, this can lead to damage. You might notice chewed outdoor furniture, garden hoses, wires, or structural wood.

Signs of rodents inside the house

• Rodent droppings
  Wherever rodents travel, you’ll find droppings. When they infest homes, droppings often appear in the garage, attic, under the kitchen sink, in the pantry, closets, and anywhere else these pests hide.
• Gnaw marks
  Mice and rats also chew on anything they can find indoors, including food packages, cardboard boxes, fabrics, furniture, insulation, electrical wires, and other building materials.
• Nocturnal noises
  Scurrying, scratching, and squeaking noises at night typically accompany a rodent problem. These pests are most active at night, so it’s common to hear them moving.
• Rodent nests
  Mice and rats build their nests using whatever they can find. Common nesting materials include insulation, fabrics, paper, cardboard, and other soft materials.
• Unpleasant odors
  Property owners may detect a strong musky odor when rodents have been in residence for a bit. Dead rodents also give off an unpleasant smell for a while.
• Live rodents
  Although mice and rats would rather avoid encounters with home occupants, sometimes they slip up, and you might see them scurrying along the edges of the room. Rarely will you see one out in the middle of the room.

What attracts rodents

Direct evidence will tell you that you have a current rodent problem, but you don't have to wait until you have trouble with rodents to find warning signs. There are things that attract rodents. Here’s a brief list of rodent attractants:

• Puddles
• Piles of wood or organic debris
• Dense or low-lying vegetation
• Tall grasses
• Weeds
• Open voids underneath structures
• Junk piles
• Stacks of cardboard
• Uncovered trash receptacles
• Fruit on the ground
• Uncovered compost bins
• Animal waste

How to get ahead of rodent infestations

It is always best to get in front of rodent problems. Rats and mice spread germs and diseases, damage structures, and destroy stored items. It is a good idea to bolster your defenses.

• Repair damaged screens and door frames.
• Swap out old weatherstripping and sweeps.
• Make sure all vents are covered.
• Seal holes, gaps, cracks, and openings, paying close attention to areas where utilities enter.
• Eliminate potential food sources.
• Pick up your pets’ droppings.
• Fix leaking faucets and other plumbing issues.
• Address moisture problems indoors.
• Trim trees, shrubs, and bushes away from the house.

Let our pest control pros rodent-proof your home!

Here at Titan Pest Control, we offer Desert Guard, an insect and rodent exclusion service that keeps rodents, scorpions, and other desert-loving pests out!  We use only the best exclusion materials to repel insects and rodents. Moreover, we issue a one-year warranty for material replacement and labor, which means you don’t have to worry about pests getting through.

What to do if you already have a rodent problem

If mice or rats have already made it into your home, we can still help. Available in Phoenix, Anthem, Cave Creek, and throughout Maricopa County, our home pest control services are designed to eliminate existing pest activity and prevent new infestations from developing.

Don’t put up with rodents; contact Titan Pest Control at the first sign of a problem!