Have you found shredded paper, fabric, or insulation tucked into corners or hidden inside cabinets? That’s not random debris — it’s likely nesting material. And it’s one of the clearest signs you may have a rodent problem.
Mice and rats invade homes, warehouses, restaurants, food facilities, and offices in search of two things: food and shelter. When temperatures drop, they look for warmth and protection — and your structure provides both.
Rodents are far more common than most people realize. Studies estimate that nearly 1 in 3 homes in the U.S. experience a rodent issue at some point, with infestations increasing during the fall and winter months.
If you suspect rodents, acting quickly is critical. Here’s what to look for — and what you need to know.
Signs of Rodent Infestation
Rodents are naturally cautious and primarily nocturnal, which means you may never actually see them. Instead, you’ll notice the evidence they leave behind.
Common warning signs include:
- Pellet-shaped droppings near sinks, cabinets, food storage areas, attics, or basements
- Scratching or squeaking sounds in walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces — especially at night
- Nesting materials such as shredded insulation, paper, or fabric in hidden areas
- Chew marks on pantry items, wiring, furniture, or structural wood
- Holes or runways along walls, floors, and foundations
- Strong, foul odors from urine or decomposing rodents inside walls or vents
If you see a rodent during the day that doesn’t quickly retreat, that can also indicate a larger infestation or a compromised animal.
What Damage Do Rodents Cause?
Rodents are not just a nuisance — they are destructive and expensive.
In the United States alone, rodents cause an estimated $20 billion in damage annually to homes, agriculture, and businesses.
Structural & Property Damage
Mice and rats constantly gnaw to keep their teeth from overgrowing. This leads to:
- Chewed electrical wiring (a major fire hazard)
- Damaged insulation in attics and walls
- Destroyed furniture and stored items
- Compromised HVAC systems and ductwork
- Entry points that allow other pests inside
Rodents are believed to contribute to a significant percentage of structure fires due to chewed electrical wires. Left untreated, their rapid reproduction only multiplies the damage.
Health Risks & Contamination
Rodents are known carriers of serious diseases. They contaminate surfaces and food with urine, droppings, and hair.
Diseases associated with rodents include:
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonella poisoning
- Other bacterial and viral infections
Contaminated food and pet food must be discarded. Even minimal exposure can pose health risks to your family, employees, or customers.
There is no “small” rodent problem. One mouse often means more.
Rodent Control Strategies
Successful rodent control requires more than a few traps. It requires a systematic approach.
1. Seal All Entry Points (Exclusion)
Rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a dime (mice) or a quarter (rats). That means even tiny gaps matter.
Common entry points include:
- Around doors and windows
- Gaps along foundations
- Attic vents and rooflines
- Utility penetrations
- Crawl spaces and basements
- Behind kitchen appliances and cabinets
Small gaps should be sealed with steel wool and professional-grade sealant. Larger openings may require hardware cloth, metal flashing, or structural repair.
Without proper exclusion, rodents will simply return.
2. Population Control (Trapping & Monitoring)
Even with sealing completed, rodents already inside must be removed.
- Proper trap selection matters (rat traps differ from mouse traps)
- Placement is critical for effectiveness
- Cautious rodents may avoid poorly placed traps
Professional placement and monitoring dramatically increase success rates.
3. Sanitation & Habitat Reduction
Reducing food and harborage opportunities lowers the likelihood of reinfestation.
- Store food in sealed metal or thick plastic containers
- Clean spills immediately
- Secure pet food
- Reduce exterior clutter
- Keep vegetation trimmed away from the structure
Clean environments are far less attractive to rodents.
Why Professional Rodent Control Matters
DIY solutions often address symptoms — not the source.
Rodents reproduce rapidly. A single pair of mice can lead to dozens in a matter of weeks. Without proper exclusion, monitoring, and population control, infestations return.
At Avista, we focus on:
- Thorough inspection
- Strategic exclusion
- Targeted population control
- Long-term prevention
We don’t just remove rodents — we solve the problem at its source.
Don’t Wait Until the Damage Is Done
Rodents cause structural damage, contaminate food, and threaten your health. The earlier you act, the less costly the solution.
If you’ve seen signs of rodents — or even suspect activity — contact Avista today. Our team has the tools, training, and experience to protect your home or business the right way.
Call now to speak with a knowledgeable team member and schedule your inspection.