Rodents come in many shapes and sizes. Whether a tiny house mouse or 15-inch adult rat, they have more than one thing in common: they are nocturnal, resourceful, fairly smart, and the last thing you want to find in your house.
As colder weather approaches, these unwanted pests may try to enter your home or garage in seek of shelter. And
their presence can do more than just cause a fright, since rodents can cause structural damage to your house and introduce potential health issues to your family and pets.
If you are looking for a fast solution for how to get rid of rats and mice in your house, you’ve come to the right place. The experts at Western know the telltale signs of these pests:
- Noise – Most rodents are nocturnal, so you may hear gnawing or scurrying sounds from attics, drop ceilings, wall voids, and under floors at night.
- Droppings – If you see dark, rice- or grain-sized pellets in the pantry or along baseboards, you probably have a rodent problem.
- Runways – Rodents tend to travel the same paths over and over. Oils from their fur can leave greasy marks on walls, near stairs, or around burrows.
- Footprints – Tiny paw prints or drag lines from a tail on dusty surfaces are another visible sign of mouse or rat activity.
- Sighting – You may spot a rodent as it travels to or from its nest looking for food.
- Damage – Holes in food packaging, gnawed woodwork, and damaged electrical wires are often indicative of a rat or mouse in your house.
One or more of these signs in your house means you likely have rats or mice – rodents that you need to learn how 
to get rid of fast. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect DIY solution. It’s best to call a pest management professional to take care of the problem. There are, however, certain proactive measures you can take around the house to help prevent an increase in rodent activity:
- Remove possible entry points. How do mice get in your house? For starters, they can enter through a hole as small as a dime. Seal doors and windows, and make sure your screens are free of tears. Fix any holes in your foundation, walls, and roof.
- Don’t forget to look up. Rodents are excellent at scaling siding and cross wires, so pay attention to any possible entry points that are above eye-level.
- Avoid leaving out a potential snack. The smallest of crumbs or spills can sustain a rodent. Keep food in air-tight containers and clean kitchen surfaces regularly.
- Take out the trash. Waste attracts rodents, so store it as far away from your home as possible. The closer it is to your house, the more likely mice and rats will make themselves at home.
- Trim your trees. As well-equipped climbers, rats can use a tree branch that brushes near your home as a ladder. Regular landscaping can help keep these potential pathways to your home to a minimum.
Utilizing these preventive measures, especially before the fall weather sets in, can help prevent rodents from entering your home. And while these actions can help keep pests out, remember to leave rodent control to the professionals.
Knowing how long rodents live and how fast they can multiply, our experts recognize that a single rat or mouse signifies there’s more where that came from. Be sure to call your provider at the first sign of rodents to ensure the only furry creatures you have in your home are pets, not pests.
Learn more about how Western Pest Services can help protect your house from these pests with rodent control.