Pest control services for rodents can require an extensive process. We can remove all rodents like squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, voles, and beavers. A rat or mouse infestation can be especially invasive. Rodents breed at a rapid rate. If you start to notice signs of a rodent infestation, you need a strategic plan to control the entire population. Effective rodent pest control includes traps, bait stations, habitat modification, and exclusion tactics. Critter Control offers affordable year-round recurring rodent control to ensure your home stays rodent-free.
What Are the Signs of a Rodent Infestation?
An unchecked rodent population can damage your house and attract other nuisance wildlife like snakes If you suspect a rodent infestation, here are some key signs to look for:
1. Droppings
- Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings (about the size of a grain of rice).
- Often found in pantries, drawers, cabinets, or along baseboards.
2. Gnaw Marks
- Chewed wires, wood, plastic, or food packaging.
- New gnaw marks appear lighter in color, while older ones darken over time.
3. Nesting Materials
- Shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or plant material in hidden areas.
- Nests are often found in attics, wall voids, or behind appliances.
4. Noises
- Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds, especially at night.
- Sounds coming from walls, ceilings, or under floors.
5. Unusual Pet Behavior
- Pets acting agitated or fixated on certain walls, cabinets, or furniture.
- Dogs or cats sniffing at areas where rodents may be hiding.
6. Grease Marks & Tracks
- Greasy rub marks along walls or baseboards where rodents travel.
- Footprints or tail marks in dusty areas.
7. Foul Odors
- A strong, musky odor from rodent urine or a dead rodent.
- Persistent bad smell in enclosed spaces.
8. Visible Rodents
Spotting a mouse or rat, especially during daylight, may indicate a large infestation.
What Problems Can Rodents Cause?
Rodent infestations can cause serious problems in both residential and commercial properties. Here are the main risks associated with a rodent infestation:
1. Health Risks
- Disease Transmission – Rodents can carry and spread diseases like Hantavirus, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Plague.
- Contaminated Food & Surfaces – Their droppings, urine, and fur can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces, leading to food poisoning.
- Allergies & Respiratory Issues – Rodent dander, droppings, and urine can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
2. Property Damage
- Chewing on Wires – Rodents gnaw on electrical wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
- Structural Damage – They chew through wood, drywall, insulation, and even pipes, causing costly repairs.
- Damage to Personal Belongings – Furniture, clothing, and stored items can be destroyed by gnawing and nesting activity.
3. Business & Reputation Damage
- Loss of Customers – Restaurants, hotels, and retail businesses risk losing customers if rodents are spotted.
- Health Code Violations – A rodent infestation can result in fines, shutdowns, and legal action.
- Contaminated Inventory – Warehouses, food storage, and manufacturing facilities can suffer product loss and recalls.
4. Rapid Population Growth
- Rodents reproduce quickly, with a single pair turning into hundreds in just a few months if left uncontrolled.
5. Fire Hazards
- Exposed wires from rodent gnawing can lead to electrical fires, putting homes and businesses at serious risk.
6. Stress & Mental Strain
- The constant worry of rodents in the home or workplace can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, and frustration.
Rodents are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious risks. If you suspect an infestation, it’s best to act fast. Need advice on removal or prevention?
What Are the Methods of Rodent Control?
Pest Control Inspection for Rodents
During a rodent inspection, our inspector will thoroughly inspect your attic as well as provide a full exterior inspection. The most common signs of rodent activity are chewing, droppings, rub marks, nesting material, and small entry points.
Rodent Trapping & Removing
Based on the inspection, our wildlife specialist creates a strategic trapping plan to remove the rodents found in your home. Types of traps, placement of traps, and bait used in traps determine the effectiveness of rodent trapping.
Our wildlife specialist will ensure the use of the most efficient and safe removal process for your home. Though the standard trapping/removal duration is normally between 5 to 14 days, the trapping process may be longer if the rodents are well-established.
Rodent Control: Exclusion & Habitat Modification
Rodent exclusion is the best way to prevent rodents from entering your home, but many homeowners do not protect their homes until they have experienced a nuisance animal. After rodent removal, it is essential to repair any entry points in your home. Rodents leave pheromone trails, and other rodents quickly utilize those scent trails.
Habitat Modification to Prevent Rodents
Removing trees or branches close to your roof and keep your property clear of debris can help to keep your property rodent-free. Rodents love clutter and will use debris for nesting material.
Keep your garage door closed as much as possible, especially at dark. Garages are often used as storage spaces, and rodents will take advantage of any food they can get to or any items that can be used for nesting.
Additional Rodent Services
Critter Control also offers recurring services to keep your home protected and under warranty. If the rodent infestation was in the attic, we can provide a full attic remediation service.
Most Common Rodents