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Mice can get into the tiniest of spaces, and when these critters find their way inside of your property, they can wreak havoc on your living space. There are a few telltale signs that you need to schedule rodent control services for your property. Consider the following guide that lists five to watch for.

A Guide for Detecting Mice

1. Scratching Noises

You may begin to hear scratching noises in your walls and along the floor, mainly at night. Because rodents are nocturnal, mice will search for food and water once the sun goes down, using the space inside your walls as their highway.

2. Mouse Waste

Mouse droppings are small and pointy at both ends. They are typically smaller than a quarter of an inch, and you may find them in corners, drawers, cabinets, under sinks, and in basements and crawlspaces. Fresh droppings will be dark, shiny, and have a putty consistency, while older feces will be hard, gray, and crumbling. The largest accumulation will be near nests and feeding areas. You may also notice a musky smell in your house, indicating that rodent urine is present.

3. Gnawed Areas

rodent control West Plains, MOMice will gnaw clean-cut holes as small as a dime in walls and baseboards. You may also notice chewed wood and tooth marks on food packages, wires, and chords. Fresh gnawing is light in color, and it will get darker as it gets older. If you notice holes, be sure to cover them with putty or grout to cut off the access point to your home. 

4. Rodent Nests

Mice will make an indoor nest out of anything, from shredded paper to string. You may come across a rodent nest in your basement, attic, or crawlspace. You may also notice nests made of debris and brush in your yard. Even if nests are outside, rodents may still be entering your home through cracks and holes. Sealing holes and cracks will help, and ensuring that you keep your interior and exterior free of debris will limit the materials they can use to nest. 

5. Pet Reactions

Have you noticed that your pets are acting strangely? Dogs and cats will act differently if they hear, see, or smell mice nearby. Dogs may be on alert and bark at what seems to be nothing, while cats will paw at areas under furniture or beneath appliances, like the refrigerator or stove. Follow your furry friends’ lead and investigate to see if you need rodent control.

 

Jackson & Eagle Pest Management is West Plains, MO’s, choice when residents and business owners need rodent control. Their pest control team brings more than 120 years of combined industry experience to every job. From termite inspections to bedbug issues, their effective offerings help keep unwelcome critters out of your property. Call (417) 256-6286 today for an estimate or visit their website to read reviews from past customers.

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