Now that winter is finally here we need to be vigilant and keep a lookout for signs of unwanted visitors to our outhouses, garages, garden sheds, compost heaps, and even our own homes.
The main pests we will come into contact with at this time of year will be Rats and Mice.
In recent weeks, we at Pinnacle Pest Sacramento would like to point out that aside from seeing live Rats and/or Mice on your premises, you should also keep an eye out for the signs that indicate their presence. These include:
Droppings: Rat droppings are on average about 12mm or ½ inch long and are spindle-shaped tapering to a point at one or both ends. Mouse droppings are much smaller about 3-7 mm about the size of a grain of rice.
In buildings, the droppings will normally found in corners of rooms, on top of walls and ledges, and in between packages or furniture. In the case of attic or loft spaces, it should be noted that Bat droppings are very similar to mouse droppings, but on closer inspection, they are more crumbly.
Stale or Musty Odour: A stale odor is likely to be present if a Pest has been present for a while.
Visible Tracks and Paths: Rats tend to follow the same paths to seek out food and then return to their nest ( mice to a lesser extent). These “rat-runs” are likely to be undercover such as through grass and low vegetation, but will often be visible even up walls.
Indoors the rat-runs are easily noticed, especially in dusty areas. Often greasy smears will be noticeable along surfaces where rodents pass regularly, e.g. corners of walls and gaps where they may pass through.
Gnawing: Rodents have to gnaw in order to keep their teeth in good condition, as rodent incisor teeth keep growing continuously. Both rats and mice will gnaw on a wide variety of materials, including paper, carpets, rubbish bags, concrete, wood, and – most dangerously- electric cables!
Nests: Nests can be found in walls, compost heaps, under sheds, and even the insulation in attics.
You should always be vigilant for pests on your property as they can cause a lot of damage to your property and possessions. They also pose a health risk and you should never handle a live or dead rat or mouse with your bare hands!
If you suspect you may have rats or mice on your property you should call in a professional to treat the problem safely, quickly, and efficiently!
