As cold winter temperatures set in, mice and rats are increasingly likely to seek out warmth and accessible food sources. Unfortunately, human homes often check off both of these boxes. Here are a few signs the invaders have entered your house so you can call a professional for rodent control. 

Signs You’re in Need of Rodent Control 

1. You Spot Droppings

Mice are notoriously elusive, so you may not glimpse them directly. Instead, you’re more likely to spot their droppings, which they usually leave throughout a house. Rodent droppings are about the size of a grain of rice. They’re either black if they’re fresh, or gray if they’re older. You’re most likely to find them along the wall where the critters search for food sources. 

2. You Hear Noise at Night

Mice and rats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they tend to be active from nighttime through early morning. As sneaky as they are, their movements still create noise. Keep your ears open for faint rustling as they move through the house. You may also hear a persistent scratching sound as they try to gain access through a new hole. While one stray noise might not mean anything, a pattern of similar noises is a dead giveaway that rodents have infested your home. 

3. You Find Gnaw Marks

When you have a mouse or rat problem, you may start finding small holes in food packaging and different boxes throughout your house. Rodents need to chew frequently to keep their teeth at a manageable size, so you may also find gnaw marks on furniture, wiring, and other areas around the house. Even if you just see one mark or torn bag, it’s smart to call rodent control before the problem gets out of hand. 

If you think there may be mice or rats in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to a rodent control expert like Taylor's Weed & Pest Control in Hobbs, NM. Bringing more than four decades of experience, the specialists will help you humanely drive away pests while also filling their entry holes. Licensed by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and a member of the Better Business Bureau®, you can count on the crew for swift and effective service. To schedule an appointment, call (575) 492-9247, or visit the company’s website to learn more about how they can keep your home rodent-free.