While both types of rodents are unwanted in your home, rats and mice have a few differences. For one, they look different – rats are larger with smaller ears and larger feet. Rats also have a thicker, hairless tail. It’s important to pinpoint which species is infesting your home because rodent control methods differentiate between species. For example, rat control requires larger traps when compared with mouse extermination. Plus, different species have different behavior, which is why a mouse or rat exterminator will identify the exact species before determining elimination methods. It can be hard to determine particular species if you’re not a professional, especially since rodents are nocturnal and hard to spot. Luckily, rodent control professionals are trained to determine the exact species.

Easy access to your home is a major cause of rodent issues since they are always searching for shelter and food. Any cracks, gaps, or holes can be the reason they’re entering (they can fit into the tiniest spaces). Rodents are also attracted to clutter, both inside and outside of the home. Make sure to keep outdoor garbage cans clean and sealed tight. In addition, keep your grass trimmed and store firewood as far away from your home as possible. Indoor cleanliness is important as well. Make sure to clean dishes and store leftover food in airtight containers immediately. Clean countertops daily and clean up any spills right away. Since mice can chew through plastic containers, try switching to glass storage until the rodent problem is gone. Make sure that there are no holes in your cupboards where you store dry food that mice could squeeze through.

Seeing rodents in your home is one thing that can raise signs of infestation. Although spotting one or two rodents doesn’t always signal an infestation, it should definitely raise some red flags and provoke further investigation. A couple of rodents can make their way indoors without turning into an infestation (cats can even bring them inside). However, it’s still important to eliminate these few before they have the chance to become an infestation. Aside from seeing rodents, holes in food boxes or containers can signal a rodent problem. Rodent droppings are another sign – these are often found along baseboards, in pantries where food is, and under appliances. You might also look for mouse or rat footprints in dusty areas like baseboards. If you have an infestation, you will likely hear noises late at night like scratching or squeaking as they run around in the walls. You might even find a mouse running around your kitchen when you get up for a late-night snack (rats and mice are nocturnal). Musty odors are another sign of a bad infestation once their urine, feces, and nest material builds up.

If you have a rat or mouse infestation, Aptive pest professionals can perform effective rodent control that lasts. Our methods target the nest, ensuring that there are no more rodents left to invade your home. We focus on the source of the problem. Plus, our treatment ensures that we will come back at no charge if the pests we eliminate come back! In addition to rodent control, there are prevention measures you can take to avoid future infestations and deter rodents.