How to identify mouse and rat traces in your home during winter?
January 3rd, 2025
In winter, rodents like mice and rats seek shelter indoors to escape the cold. Their presence can cause material damage and pose health risks. It’s essential to detect signs of their intrusion at the earliest indication. Here’s a guide to help you identify mouse and rat traces in your home during winter.
- Droppings: a key indicator
Droppings are one of the most common signs of rodent presence. Mice leave small droppings measuring 3–6 mm long, oval-shaped with pointed ends, while rat droppings are larger, up to 20 mm, and shaped like capsules. These droppings are often found near food sources, such as pantries, under sinks, or around cabinets.
Check less accessible areas, like basements, attics, or behind appliances. A fresh accumulation of droppings indicates ongoing activity. Use gloves to clean these areas and avoid sweeping, as particles may contain pathogens. For any additional questions or concerns, contact BW Nature Control in Gatineau and Ottawa.
- Chewing and gnawing marks
Mice and rats have teeth that grow continuously, which compels them to gnaw constantly to wear them down. Look for chewing marks on food packaging, electrical wires, furniture, and even wooden structures.
Holes in walls, baseboards, or corners of rooms may also indicate rodent activity. Rats, being stronger, often leave deeper marks than mice. Tooth marks are usually aligned in two parallel rows.
- Visible tracks and pathways
During winter, when dust accumulates, it’s easier to spot the tracks left by rodents. Mice have front paws with four toes and hind paws with five toes, leaving small footprints. Rat tracks are larger and may include tail marks.
Rodents often follow the same paths, creating visible trails on dusty or greasy floors. You may also notice greasy smudges along walls caused by their frequent movements.
- Nocturnal noises
Rodents are especially active at night. If you hear scratching or scurrying noises in walls, ceilings, or floors, it could be a sign of an infestation. Mice produce higher-pitched, quicker noises, while rats make heavier, louder sounds. - Unusual odours
Rodent infestations are often accompanied by a musky smell, especially if the infestation is severe. This odour comes from their urine, droppings, and occasionally dead rodents. If you notice a persistent smell in a particular room or area, inspect it closely.
What to do if you find rodent traces?
If you spot any of these signs in your home this winter, it’s important to act quickly. Rodents reproduce rapidly, which can worsen the problem in no time. Contact BW Nature Control, your trusted experts in mouse and rat extermination in Gatineau and Ottawa. Our professional team identifies the root cause of the issue and employs effective methods to protect your home.
This winter, don’t let rodents invade your space. Trust BW Nature Control to restore peace and maintain a healthy environment.
