Those who live in Altamonte Springs are blessed with sunny days, beautiful parks, and a welcoming community. But living here also means dealing with some pests that love warm weather. Mice and rats can enter your home looking for food, water, and shelter. However, they are dirty creatures that can spread diseases and pathogens in your home. It is important to hire an exterminator in Altamonte Springs if you think you might have a rodent problem. Here are signs that it might be time to call a professional rodent exterminator.
You Hear Strange Noises in the Walls or Ceiling
Rodents are most active at night. You might hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking noise at night as rats or mice move around inside your walls or attic. These sounds are often more noticeable when the house is quiet, especially late at night or early in the morning.
You See Droppings Around the House
Mouse droppings are small and shaped like tiny pellets. Rat droppings are larger, about the size of a raisin. These droppings are often found in the pantry, under the sink, or inside cabinets. Seeing fresh droppings regularly means rodents are still active inside your home. This should be enough sign to contact a pest control professional.
Your Pets Are Acting Strange
Cats and dogs that pick up on rodent activity will sniff under appliances, stare at walls, or bark at nothing. Pay attention to your pets’ behavior as they might be trying to tell you something.
You Find Chewed Wires or Damaged Belongings
Rodent teeth never stop growing, so they gnaw on things constantly to keep them filed down. The presence of rats in your home can leave you noticing chewed-up wires, holes in food packaging, or gnawed furniture. Chewed wires can also be a fire hazard. A professional exterminator can address the rodent issue in your house, keeping your property safe from these intruders.
You Notice Greasy Marks or Tracks
Rats and mice often travel the same paths. Their oily fur can leave greasy smudge marks along walls, baseboards, or floorboards. You might also see footprints or tail marks in dusty areas visited by rodents. These signs indicate that rodents have been living comfortably in your home for a while.
You Smell Something Unpleasant
A strong, musty smell that does not go away can be another sign of rodents. Mouse urine has a very strong ammonia-like odor, especially if it has soaked into wood or insulation. Also, the smell of a dead rodent is worse. It might be worth having a professional check for pests if your home smells strange and you cannot find the source.
Your Efforts are Not Enough
Maybe you have tried traps, bait, and sealing entry to control rodents. These methods can eliminate some of the rodents in your house while leaving the rest doing their thing. DIY methods do not always get to the root of the problem. Professional exterminators know how to find nests, identify entry points you might have missed, and create a plan to get rid of the pests for good.
You See a Rodent in Daylight
Rodents usually hide during the day. Seeing one during daylight hours may mean the infestation is large. Seeing one mouse or a rat in the daytime could mean they are running out of hiding spots. This is a good reason to call an exterminator right away.
Your Neighbors Have Had Problems
Rodents do not respect property lines. There is a chance that rodents from your neighbors’ houses will try to move into nearby homes including yours. You should pay attention to neighborhood pest problems, and be proactive if you hear about rodent issues close to home.