Because of the increased awareness of the potential health dangers of rats and mice, many people have asked us how to determine if they have these pests.  It is wise to be on the lookout for rats and mice, especially during the fall and winter when they are looking for shelter in homes.

Of course, if you see these rodents, or their fresh droppings, you know without a doubt you have to immediately contact the experts at https://advancedwildliferemovalca.com/.  But there are other signs of their presence, and everyone should be aware of these.  Rats and mice leave dark smudge marks (it’s oil and dirt from their fur) along their favorite travel routes—on walls, pipes, wires and beams.  On dusty surfaces, rats and mice leave footprints, or marks from their tails.

Other signs include gnawed materials with tooth marks, urine stains (these fluoresce under UV light), nests or caches of food, and rodent odors. Squeaks and gnawing, clawing, or climbing sounds are another sign.  Cats and dogs may get excited and start probing a certain area of a floor or wall.

People also ask us how many rodents there are.  In general, just a few signs of rodents means low numbers, or that rodents have only recently invaded.  If you see a rodent at night by flashlight, and droppings and gnawings are common, it’s likely several rodents are present.  And if you see a few rodents at night, and even occasionally during daylight, plus abundant fresh marks, it may indicate a much higher population of rodents—often 10 or more rats, or even more mice.