Common Rodents Invading Houses In The PNW

Mice and rats are common rodents that can invade homes in the Pacific Northwest. Each rodent has distinct differences that can help you identify what type of infestation is present in your home. Mice are smaller, typically 2-4 inches long, with pointed noses and large ears, while rats are larger, ranging from 6-9 inches, with blunt noses and thicker tails. Rats tend to be cautious and stick to specific travel paths, whereas mice are more curious and explore new areas frequently. Their droppings also differ—mouse droppings will be smaller than rats. Recognizing whether you have mice or rats can help determine the severity of the infestation and the best removal approach.

10 Common Signs Of A Rodent Infestation

1. Droppings

Rodent droppings are perhaps the largest sign that you have an infestation on your hands. The number of droppings you find coupled with their state can tell you how large the infestation is and how long they’ve been there.

You’ll find the largest amount of droppings in cupboards and places where you have food. Check around the droppings to see if you can spot nests.

Droppings that are gray and crumble are old and indicate an old infestation. The ones that are moist and brown indicate the infestation is fresh.

2. Urine Odor

Rodents urinate fairly frequently so if your infestation is large enough you’ll be able to smell it. It will smell strongly of ammonia and over time, become stale and even more unpleasant.

You can use the smell as sort of a stinky game of hot and cold. The stronger the smell, the closer you are to the source of the infestation. For very large infestations, you’ll find pillars of urine stacked in mounds.

3. Gnawed Holes In Clothes

Rodents like to use scraps of cloth and paper to build their nests. If you notice a hole in your favorite sweater, that could be a strong sign of an infestation. They also tend to rip holes in the insulation.

If you notice any shredded cloth fibers in a particularly dark corner you could have an infestation on your hands.

4. Holes in Desks and Drawers

Rodents are actually fairly intelligent creatures. They will typically chew holes in drawers and other wooden furniture so they can get in and use it to build a nest in.

You will notice very small holes — just small enough so they can fit into your cabinets to breed and live.

5. Rub and Gnaw Marks

The tiny feet of rodents leave oily marks around your wood panels and other areas where they run around frequently. If the marks are smeared, this means they run past the area a lot.

Again, they chew on furniture and other wooden areas around your home so you’ll notice that along with various scratch marks.

6. Nests

Rodents love to build nests. Again, they shred paper and other cloth fibers to use them for building materials. You’ll find them in dark places around your home like unused closets, crawl spaces, and even behind appliances.

The best places to check are behind your fridge, cavity walls, basements, and anywhere there’s a hidden crevice. You can check the droppings around the area to see if the nest is still in active use. If they’re brown, chances are the mice are still in the area.

7. Unusual Noises

Rodents are noisy little creatures and also nocturnal so you’ll mostly hear them at night. You’ll hear them when they come out to get a nightly snack and materials for their nests.

If you’re suspicious that you have an infestation problem, listen for tiny scratching noises at night in the walls, under your floorboards, and in your attic.

8. Pet Behavior

When you have rodents in your home, your pets will sense it and act a little differently. You’ll notice your cat or dog become a lot more alert and actively looking for them.

Take a flashlight and check around areas that your pets are meowing, barking, or pawing at to look for signs of rodents. Do this especially if the pet had no interest in the area beforehand.

9. Runways

Rodents will have a clear path that they run to look for food and building materials. You will notice oily marks and nibbles around the runways. Check also for droppings and tiny footprints in the dust around the area.

The places where you’ll typically find these runways are along your walls, building foundations, pipes, electrical wires, and ledges.

10. Mice During the Day

Again, rodents are typically nocturnal but they may get bold and come out during the day to survey. If you spot one of them during the day this is a bad sign. This means the infestation is fairly large.

Once you spot one during the day, you need to start looking for them so you can get rid of the mice as soon as possible. Check for all of the things we have discussed above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodent Infestations

• What attracts rodents to my home?
  Rodents are drawn to food, water, and shelter. Unsealed food, garbage, pet food, and cluttered areas provide the perfect environment for them to thrive.
• Are rodents dangerous to my health?
  Yes, rodents can carry diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. Their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and could introduce other pests into your home like fleas or mites into your home.
• How can I prevent a rodent infestation?
  Seal any entry points, keep food stored in airtight containers, maintain cleanliness, eliminate standing water, and reduce clutter in and around your home.
• Should I try DIY rodent control or call a professional?
  While traps and bait could help with minor infestations, professional pest control is recommended for larger or recurring problems to ensure complete removal and prevent future issues.

Have A Rodent Infestation? Call The Pest Control Experts

Nobody wants to live with rodents. Once you’re suspicious that they are there, you need to start looking for them. Check for droppings, fibers they may have ripped up for a nest and oil smudges around your interior walls. Also, listen out for unusual scratching noises coming from your walls or floors.

​A professional can help ​stop the rodent infestation before it gets out of control. Not only will they get rid of the pesky creatures, but they will also make sure to seal entryways so they don’t return.

​If you live in the Greater Seattle or Greater Portland areas, contact us for a free estimate. During this appointment, our technicians will provide transparent and detailed information about your rodent infestation to help you feel comfortable throughout the rodent control process.