Signs of a rodent infestation include droppings, gnaw marks on walls, floors or furniture, scampering or scratching noises, nests made of shredded material, and a distinctive, musky odor. Mice and rats are also active at night, so you may see them darting across the floor when you turn on the lights.

Mice and rats can carry harmful diseases that can be transmitted to humans through their droppings, urine, and saliva. Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Listeria are just a few of the diseases that can be transmitted through rodent infestations. Additionally, their droppings and urine can cause allergic reactions in some people, triggering asthma symptoms and other respiratory problems.

To prevent rodent infestations, seal up any cracks or gaps in your home's foundation or walls, keep your kitchen clean and free of food scraps, store food in airtight containers, and keep your trash in sealed bins. Regularly inspect any storage areas, like attics, basements, and garages, for signs of rodent activity.

While both mice and rats can cause similar problems, there are some key differences between the two. Mice are smaller and can fit through smaller gaps, making it easier for them to get into your home. They also breed more frequently and in larger numbers, so a mouse infestation can quickly grow out of control. Rats, on the other hand, are larger and tend to be more aggressive, making them more difficult to control once they've established a nest in your home.

Mice and rats leave different sized droppings, so inspecting droppings can help identify which type of rodent is present. Mice droppings are about the size of a grain of rice, while rat droppings are larger and more oblong in shape. Additionally, rats tend to leave larger gnaw marks on surfaces, while mice leave smaller ones.

Mice and rats can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in your foundation, walls, or roof. They can also enter through gaps around pipes, utility lines, and ventilation systems. Rodents are excellent climbers, so they can easily access upper levels of your home through trees or vines growing too close to your house.

To get rid of a rodent infestation, you should first identify the entry points and seal them up to prevent new rodents from entering your home. Then, set up traps or use rodenticides to control the existing population. It's important to follow the instructions carefully when using these products, as they can be harmful to humans and pets if used improperly.

While DIY methods like traps and bait can be effective, they may not completely eliminate the problem. Additionally, using DIY methods without the proper knowledge can be dangerous, as mishandling rodenticides can be harmful to humans and pets. Hiring a professional pest control service is often the safest and most effective way to get rid of a rodent infestation.

The best way to get rid of a mouse or rat infestation is to contact a professional pest control company. They can identify the extent of the infestation and use appropriate methods to control and eliminate the rodents. These methods may include traps, bait stations, and exclusion techniques such as sealing entry points.

Mice and rats reproduce quickly and can have multiple litters per year. A single female mouse can produce up to 35 offspring in a year, while a female rat can produce up to 70 offspring in a year. As a result, an infestation can grow rapidly if left untreated. It is important to take action as soon as signs of a rodent infestation are detected to prevent the problem from getting out of control.