Rats & Rodents

Rats & Rodents Overview

Beyond the uncomfortable thought of rodents in your walls, there are plenty of reasons to eliminate a rodent infestation. Rats, mice, and other rodents can create significant damage within your home. They tear up insulation, chew on electrical wires, and gnaw through wood and other materials—posing a serious threat to your property. In addition to physical damage, rodents also bring ectoparasites and dangerous diseases into your home.

Rodents are common pests. While rats are among the most notorious, mice and other small rodents are just as problematic. Despite their numbers, these creatures often go unnoticed due to their skittish behavior and natural instinct to avoid human contact.

Even if you don’t see a rodent directly, there are several signs to look for to confirm your suspicions. One of the first clues may be unfamiliar sounds in your home. Rodents communicate through squeaking, hissing, and chattering, and you might also hear gnawing or rustling behind walls, under floorboards, or in the attic.

After hearing them, you might start to notice more physical signs of a rodent infestation, such as:

• Droppings
• Gnaw marks
• Rodent tracks
• Nests made from shredded material
• Smudge marks along beams, baseboards, or walls

If you’re unsure what type of critter you’re dealing with, it’s best to call in professional help. Rodents can be surprisingly elusive, but pest control professionals are trained to identify the signs and determine the scope of the infestation quickly and accurately.

Diet

Rodents, including rats and mice, are omnivorous and highly adaptable in their eating habits. In the wild, they primarily consume grains, seeds, fruits, and nuts, but they are also known to eat insects, small animals, and even carrion when food is scarce. This dietary flexibility makes rodents incredibly resilient in both natural and urban environments.

Domesticated rodents—such as pet rats and mice—thrive on a more controlled diet tailored to their nutritional needs. Commercially formulated pellets are typically the foundation of their diet, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and leafy greens. However, certain foods like chocolate, caffeine, and onions should always be avoided. A varied diet not only supports their health but also encourages natural foraging behavior, which is essential for mental stimulation.

Scat

Rodent droppings are one of the most visible signs of an infestation and can help identify which type of rodent is present. For example, rat droppings are dark, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, and have pointed ends—similar in shape to large grains of rice. Mouse droppings, on the other hand, are much smaller, around 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, with tapered ends.

Fresh rodent feces appear moist and soft, while older droppings dry out and harden. The amount and location of droppings often indicate where rodents are most active. You’ll commonly find them in groups along walls, near nesting areas, or close to food sources. Identifying scat is an important first step in assessing the severity of the infestation and planning proper pest control measures.

Tracks

Tracks left behind by rodents can be telling, especially in dusty or soft surfaces. Rat tracks feature four toes on the front feet and five on the hind feet, with the rear prints typically larger. Mice leave a similar pattern, but with smaller prints. Often, tail drag marks accompany these prints, offering another clue to their presence.

The arrangement of rodent tracks usually appears in a straight line due to their purposeful movement. This can help distinguish them from other small mammals, which may have a more erratic or staggered gait. Analyzing the size, spacing, and orientation of these tracks helps identify the type of rodent involved and the areas they frequent most—crucial insights for targeted pest management.