The Triangle is home to plenty of animals, some we don’t mind having around our homes perhaps because they eat pests, and others we’re less happy about, perhaps because they are pests, or even worse, they can cause damage and carry harmful diseases.

Mice and rodents are definitely on the “Do Not Pass” list for most, and for good reason, not only can mice cause damage to your home, but they can also carry disease and cause all kinds of mischief that no one wants to deal with.

Of course, the only thing worse than one mouse or rat, is many mice or rats, so if you think you might have mice in your Raleigh area home, or any kind of rodent infestation, it’s best to call a professional as soon as possible to prevent breeding and disease from spreading. But how will you know if you need a animal removal or animal control specialist? Here are a few signs that you may be dealing with a rodent infestation of mice, rats or other rodents:

1. Nests — Most people don’t know that rodents make soft, plush nests just like birds or similar. They’re often made from pieces of cloth, insulation,or other soft and discarded materials. If you see evidence of a nest inside your home, around closets or hidden in laundry rooms and basements — usually dark, closed spaces — you might be dealing with mice or rats and should call a professional animal control technician.
2. Nibble marks — Mice have come into your home main for two reasons, warmth and food. If you have mice, you will often see bite marks around food containers in the kitchen, such as at the bottom of cereal boxes, or in your pantry. If entire holes have been bitten through, you know you’re likely dealing with rats or large gray mice.
3. Droppings and urine trails — Mice and Rats will leave behind large amounts of droppings, which are a tell-tale sign of rodent infestations. Rodents also notoriously have weak bladders and will leave urine trails where they’re living or moving.
4. Grease marks — Mice and rats are filthy animals and the dirt and grease on their coats will often rub and smudge up against pathways and holes around railings and steps. These can be a clear sign of rats or mice on the move.
5. Squeaks — Like it or not, mice in your home will definitely make noise if they’ve taken up living in your house, apartment or townhome. Squeaks can often be mistaken for bats, but rodents are just as capable of making a racket.

Here’s a YouTube video elaborating on the signs rodents can leave in your home:

If you find any of these signs, or are unsure about other possible animal control or pest issues, contact Critter Control of the Triangle as soon as possible. Our experienced technicians will not only diagnose and fix your rodent problem, but also can help undo and clean damage, and prevent the problem from happening again. We service animal control in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Wake Forest and throughout the Triangle area, contact us online or at (919) 382-0651.