What are the main signs of a rodent infestation?
Initially you are likely see live evidence or damage to property and stock. The faeces or droppings of rats and mice are a good indication of the cause, size and duration of the infestation. The house mouse can produce up to 80 droppings per day, and rats can produce at least 40 droppings per day. As rats and mice need to gnaw they can damage woodwork, plastic, lead pipes and will sometimes strip insulation from electrical cables. Holes made by mice tend to be 20mm in diameter in walls etc. whereas holes made by rats tend to be 80mm in diameter. Rodents, having established the best route from one place to another, use it frequently and this “run” becomes soiled with grease and dirt and leaves a “smear”. With well established infestations you may notice crystallised pillars of urine forming along regular runs. Footprints are sometimes apparent on dusty surfaces.
