Do you ever hear noises around your house at night? Something that sounds like an animal, but you’re not completely sure? Well, it could be an animal, and it could be ruining your home. This could spell disaster for a homeowner. We’re here to look at some of the most common animal intruders and signs that they’re in your house so you can make sure your home is safe and rodent free.
Rats and Mice
The most common house intruders, but some of the smallest and trickiest to get rid of or spot. If you’ve spotted the rodent, then you know you have one. But if you’re still trying to figure out if you have an intruder, for starters, keep your nose open. The smell of rats or mice can spread, especially when they typically pee wherever they go.
You should also keep your eyes open for droppings. The droppings of rats and mice tend to be smaller, almost mistakable for a chocolate or raisin. Another way you can tell if a rat or mouse is in your home, is noises. Rats and mice are typically nocturnal, so you will hear them running about the walls and scratching at night. Along with that, there may be signs of chewing. Take a look at your running boards, insulation, and other various places you think the mouse or rat may have been. Yes, this includes the open box of cereal you have on your counter.
Raccoons
To determine if you’ve got a raccoon roommate, you typically follow the same signs as you would for a rat or mouse. Raccoons, because they’re larger animals, don’t typically stay in the walls. They tend to seek shelter in an attic or basement, so if you suspect something has gotten in to your attic or basement, it might be a raccoon.
Signs that a raccoon is now living in your house could mean raccoon droppings, ripped insulation, damaged ducts, or chewed wires. Raccoons are also known to get in to garbage, so be sure to get rid of your trash frequently as to not draw them to your house. If you’re unsure if you have a raccoon but have a strong feeling you might, call a professional to conduct a home inspection and help you decide if you’ve got a raccoon.
Opossums
The signs of an opossum being in your house are very similar to the other two. Because opossums are larger than the other two, the signs are slightly different and larger. There will be a more prominent smell, as opossums defecate more frequently than most mammals at a size that is close to a house cat’s droppings. Other signs you might have an opossum are: louder noises, including animal vocalizations, disappearing pet food, and damage to your houses exterior.
How Do I Get Rid of These Pests?
If you’re unsure if there are animals in your home, call the professionals to conduct a home inspection in Maryland. At Highland Home Inspections, we look at everything inside and outside of the house to make sure you’re safe. Contact us today to learn more.