Mice may look cute, but no one wants these pesky invaders nesting in their homes, as they carry disease, damage food supplies and property, and can even injure pets and family members. Rodent control begins with understanding the warning signs of a mouse infestation and using that information to locate and remove colonies of unwanted houseguests. Here are a few key signs of mice to look for.

How Can You Tell When You Have a Mouse Problem?

1. Droppings

Mice leave dozens of droppings behind them as they move, forming trails that are among the clearest indications of an infestation. Fresh droppings are typically 3 to 8 mm long, or about the size of a grain of rice, and dark when fresh. 

As they age, they turn gray and brittle and shrink. They can usually be spotted in sheltered areas, like drawers and cupboards, where rodents might sneak around at night.

2. Scratching Noises

If you hear persistent scratching noises in your walls and under floorboards, particularly after dark, it’s probably a sign that mice are active within your home. This is usually one of the first aspects a rodent control expert will look for, along with squeaking or gnawing sounds in wall cavities, crawl spaces, and attics.

3. Strong Smells

Compared to other pests, mice are relatively clean and groom themselves frequently. However, they still emit strong odors due to dirt and high ammonia levels in their urine, which they trail behind themselves as they move.

You’re most likely to encounter strong smells given off by mice in enclosed areas, like drawers and closets. If you have pets, pay attention if and when they paw at areas with an unusually strong smell, as they’ve probably detected some mouse activity nearby.

Worried you may have a mouse problem at home? Then get in touch with Extermination Services in Port Orchard, WA. These licensed exterminators offer a full range of effective rodent control services using the latest equipment and techniques to identify and eliminate infestations. Their low-toxicity materials come with a 60-day warranty for rodents. Call (360) 895-1890 to schedule an inspection and visit them online to learn more about how they can help.