Rodent Infestation
The word rodent comes from the Latin word rodere, meaning to gnaw. Rodents are commonly distinguished as small 
furry mammals with strong, constantly-growing incisors and no canine teeth. Although there are thousands of rodent species, some common ones we see around include mice, rats, squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, beavers, chipmunks, and porcupines.
To be able to keep their continuously growing incisors from reaching their skulls, rodents have to wear them down by gnawing, whether it be on trees, hard nuts, or even the walls of your home. That’s when the damage caused by rodents can start affecting you.
Signs of Rodent Problems
- Gnawing. A rodent’s teeth grow continuously, so they must gnaw on things to keep this growth in check. As you might expect, this leaves rather damning evidence. Look for gnaw marks on things like garbage cans, fences, food containers, and under porches. Squirrels sometimes chew through roof vents or attic louvers to gain access to the attic.
- Runways. Mice and rats are creatures of habit and will follow the same route between their nest site and food and water uses. After repeated use, these paths develop dark, greasy rub marks that are accumulated from the oils and dirt on the rodent’s fur. Runways usually follow along manmade edges like baseboards.
- Sounds. Squirrels, mice, and rats all make similar sounds if they’ve made it into your house; rustling or scurrying noises. The bigger the rodent, the louder the sound will be. Squirrels may also make rolling noises, as they roll nuts and acorns around. Pay attention to when the noise is being made. If it occurs during the day, it’s probably a squirrel. If you hear it more at night, it’s more likely to be a mouse or rat, since they are nocturnal.
- Vocalizations. Both mice and rats communicate at a pitch that is undetectable to the human ear. However, if they are distressed, they may make squeaking or hissing sounds. Still, you are more likely to hear movement sounds than vocalizations.
- Odors. When living in confined spaces like homes, rodents tend to produce an odor that is most often described as musky and resembling ammonia or stale urine.
- Rodent Droppings. Look for droppings in areas that are not frequented by humans, like attics or basements. Droppings are found in the largest numbers near nesting sites.
Dangers of Rodent Infestations
Rodent infestations can end up costing you a lot of money due to the destruction of materials as well as from contamination which can lead to particular health problems. Contamination can be generated by rodents soiling belongings with their urine and feces, causing unhealthy conditions. Some rodents such as rats are carriers of human diseases like the bubonic plague and typhus. Significant structural damage is caused when rodents gnaw on things like wood siding, doors, sheds, and patio furniture.
Contact the Rodent Control Specialists near You
Because some rodents can multiply so quickly, they can be challenging to remove from your home or property once they settle there to begin nesting for birth. One female mouse can birth 5 to 10 litters per year; that’s a lot of babies! If you notice scratching noises, droppings, urine smells, bite marks, or any strange noises coming from your walls or ceilings, you may have a rodent infestation. Call the Critter Control of Dallas right away. Taking care of a rodent infestation is critical to making sure you adequately control the problem as soon as possible. We only use the most effective methods of removal and exclusion to ensure the complete resolution of your rodent problem.
Call us today at 214-225-2217 or contact us through our website with any questions you may have or to schedule your free home inspection.
