Signs of Rodents in Your Jackson Home

Rats and mice usually leave signs before you ever see one. Knowing what to look for in your Jackson home helps you catch a rodent problem while it is still small. This guide covers the common signs and what they tell you about which rodent you have.

Droppings and where you find them

Droppings are the most reliable sign. Mouse droppings are small, dark and pointed, about the size of a grain of rice, and cluster where mice feed. Rat droppings are larger, up to about a half inch. Finding them in the kitchen and pantry points to mice, while droppings in the attic suggest roof rats, and droppings in the garage or along the ground suggest Norway rats.

Gnaw marks and grease trails

Rodents gnaw constantly, so look for chew marks on food packaging, wood trim, and the corners of doors and cabinets. Along the routes they travel, their fur leaves greasy rub marks on walls, beams and pipe runs. Fresh gnawing looks light colored and clean edged.

Sounds, smells and nests

Scratching or scurrying overhead at night usually means roof rats in the attic, since they are active after dark. A musky smell in a closed cabinet or a hot attic points to an active nest. You may also find nests of shredded paper, fabric or insulation in quiet corners, behind appliances or in stored boxes.

What to do next

If you notice any of these signs, act while the problem is small. Close obvious gaps, remove easy food, and set traps where you see activity. If the signs keep appearing or you are hearing regular attic noise, an experienced local exterminator can inspect, confirm which rodent you have, and clear it.

References

• CDC: About rodents
• EPA: Using rodent control safely

Dealing with this in Jackson now? Call 601-374-3336 and describe what you are seeing. Calls answered 7am to 9pm, seven days a week.