Mice and rats are common pests that enter homes and businesses seeking food, water, and shelter, but they can damage your furniture, insulation, and electrical wiring. These creatures can spread several life-threatening diseases, such as hantavirus, salmonellosis, and more.
Keep these unwanted guests away by recognizing some common signs of rodents on your property. One of the most unique indicators is their droppings. So, what do mouse and rat droppings look like? Read on to learn more!
How to Tell if You Have Rodents
Rodents often leave telltale warning signs, unlike some other pests that can remain undetected for long periods. The following are some indications that might hint toward a rodent infestation:
- Gnaw marks on wooden materials, wires, walls, or food packages
- Piles of droppings around walls, around food packaging, under the sink, behind storage shelves, or under appliances
- Shredded nesting materials like paper or cardboard
- Greasy smear marks along surfaces or other dusty areas
- A strong, musky odor originating from their droppings and urine around the hidden nesting site
- A scratching, squeaking, or scurrying noise along the floor, walls, or around cabinets, especially at night
- Odd pet behavior, such as excessive barking, scratching at walls or pawing under appliances, furniture, etc.
If you spot any of these signs, you might have an active rodent infestation, making it vital to act swiftly and take steps for rodent control.
What Do Mouse and Rats Droppings Look Like?
Distinguishing mouse and rat droppings can be tricky. However, the size and shape can be an essential differentiator in helping you determine what type of rodent you are dealing with.
Brown Rat Droppings
These rat droppings are dark brown in color, have a blunt and pointed end, and resemble the shape of a long peanut or rice grain.
Black Rat Droppings
These are dark brown and are slightly curved with blunt ends. They are a little smaller than brown rat droppings too.
Mouse Droppings
Mouse droppings are typically smaller than rat droppings. They are dark, elongated, and pellet shaped and have pointed ends.
Where to Look for Mouse Droppings
Mouse droppings are often a sure sign that you have a rodent infestation. If you spot a rodent wandering in your home or other signs of rodents, it is a viable idea to be proactive and actively look for their droppings to determine if you have a full-blown infestation to handle.
As mice are nocturnal and shy creatures, you are most likely to find these piles of dropping in the following hidden areas of your home:
- Under or around the appliances
- In attics and crawl spaces
- In or around kitchen cabinets or other food storage areas like the pantry
- In cabinets, and closets, including the bathroom
- Along the skirting
How to Deal With a Rodent Infestation
If you have a rodent infestation, you must take immediate measures to contain it and prevent further damage. The following are some measures to consider to eliminate rodents and keep them from coming back to your property:
- Remove all food sources, including crumbs and spills, leftover food, dirty dishes in the sink, and pet food.
- Empty the garbage regularly and keep the trash can sealed with a tight-fitting lid to prevent access.
- Block potential access points like gaps, cracks, and other openings in your home’s foundation, holes around utility wirings, and spaces around vents and air conditioning.
- Declutter your home, including the exterior, to eliminate hiding and nesting spots.
Often, DIY approaches do not yield the desired results, especially if you have a widespread infestation. Accordingly, it is in your best interest to seek help from a professional pest extermination company like Stampede Pest Control!
Call us today for rodent control solutions guaranteed to work, and enjoy a pest-free home all year!