Rats and mice are very sneaky little pests. They can enter through small openings and stay out of sight well. You may not even be aware of a major infestation until it’s gotten out of control. 

Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington, and other cities in the Triad of North Carolina are known to have multiple species of rats and mice. There are black rats (often called roof rats or house rats), Norway rats (often called brown or gray rats), house mice, deer mice and more. The most common for homeowners to deal with are Norway rats and house mice. 

Where rodents may live in a home

It may be easier to say where rats and mice will NOT live in a house than to say where they do. The most common places include:

• Crawlspaces
• Attics
• Between walls
• Basements
• Gutters
• Floors and ceilings

What to look for if you suspect rodent activity

Because there are so many places that rats and mice can make a home in your home, once a colony begins to grow, it can expand into multiple places within the dwelling. If you find any of the following signs in one place, you should also investigate other likely hangouts to see if they are present there as well:

• Chewed wires
• Small mammal waste
• Nesting materials
• Rustling, squeaking and chewing noises behind walls
• Disturbed insulation

Of course, the most obvious sign that you have mice or rats is if you directly see one present in your home. Both varieties of rodents tend to be nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. So you may have a better chance of spotting one after sunset. 

Next steps once you suspect or confirm rodent activity in your home

Mice and rats both are known carriers of multiple serious diseases. It is not advised to share living space with them if you become aware of their presence for any significant period of time, especially if they are operating near kitchens or bedrooms. Their colonies need to be eliminated quickly. 

You may want to take on the task yourselves, but there are dangers involved. Not only can a rodent bite bring disease, but the common strategies for removing rats and mice can be dangerous themselves. Poisons and traps can both harm people and pets if used carelessly. 

The best course of action is to call your local pest control expert and have them do the job fully, safely and immediately. For those in the Triad area, please call 336-370-0445 to learn more.