Mice are common home pests that can create a lot of problems. Some can carry unwanted germs into the home, while others may destroy wiring and the structural components of your home. They can be hard to recognize because they’re nocturnal, which is why so many cases go without pest control services. There are telltale signs of activity, however, so look for the following if you suspect rodents are present.

How to Tell If There Are Mice in Your Home

1. Droppings

Mice come into homes looking for food and leave a lot of waste droppings where they snack and nest. They look like small, dark-brown grains of rice and will be next to food in pantries, on countertops, or in secluded areas where they may be nesting. Older droppings will appear gray and may crumble, while fresh droppings are dark and mark recent rodent activity.

2. Gnaw Marks

When mice aren’t eating, they’re gnawing. It may be on cardboard, wood, insulation, and electrical wiring. The more gnaw marks that are apparent, the more active the mice are. When they appear in new areas, it means they’re breeding quickly. An infestation often requires professional pest control services. Gnawing on electrical wires could lead to a fire, so never delay an inspection.

3. Tracks

Mice travel the same pathways each night, usually along walls, behind appliances, and along the countertops. Check for smudge marks in these areas. They’ll be most prevalent in grease or built-up dust. You can then place traps in the areas they’re known to travel to drive them away or capture them.

4. Unpleasant Odors

Mice travel through a lot of waste, dirt, and grime, and may carry an unpleasant odor into your home. The smell could worsen when they defecate or die and decay. You can potentially follow the smell of where they’re nesting. What’s most important to know is that the stronger and more widespread the smell, the larger the infestation could be.

Whether you’re dealing with a mouse problem or just want to take preventive steps, the pest control team at Ray’s Property Maintenance and Pest Control in Rochester, NY, can help. They’re proud to serve residents of Monroe County and provide comprehensive rodent, wildlife, mosquito, roach, and bedbug control services. Call (585) 301-5811 to schedule an inspection.