Coping with a pest infestation of any kind can be troubling. But if you suspect that you have mice in your home, it’s especially important to act quickly. Usually, there are more than one of these unwelcome rodents in waiting, and they can create everything from structural damage to harsh odors. Here are five signs that you should contact an extermination professional promptly. 

Do You Have Mice in Your Home?

1. Bite Marks

New gnawing marks are a clear sign that there’s some type of ongoing pest infestation present. They typically appear light at first before darkening in color over time. You may spot them on your furniture legs, walls, or food packages. 

2. Strong Smell

If you didn’t spill anything but detect the noxious odor of ammonia, it could be due to a pest infestation. When mice urinate, their output leaves behind a harsh odor. If you can smell it very potently, the mice are likely in the vicinity. 

3. Telltale Noises

A scratching sound is also indicative of a possible mouse infestation. Usually, these noises are most evident at night, when the pests are at their most active. You’re likely to hear them emanating from behind the walls and kitchen appliances, beneath the floorboards, and in the basement.

4. Paw Prints

In infrequently used areas of the home, you might even discover paw prints embedded on dusty surfaces. Basements, attics, and lofts are common hiding spaces for mice. You may also see marks made by their tails as they scamper across the floor. If you suspect an infestation somewhere in the home, you can sprinkle some talcum powder or flour on the floor to keep track of these prints.

5. Visible Droppings

Dark, compact droppings are also clear signs that you need to contact an extermination professional. They excrete their waste innumerably overnight, and they can appear anywhere from along the floorboards to inside the cabinets.

If you suspect a potential pest infestation in your home, turn to the team at Bruce Terminix Service Co. Proudly serving clients throughout St. Charles County, MO, the company offers a variety of residential and commercial pest control services. They can handle everything from mice and termites to ants and bedbugs. Visit them online for more information or call (636) 947-1452 to schedule an appointment.