What are the signs that my business may have a rodent problem?
Rodents are cautious by nature and often go unnoticed. They tend to stay out of sight, move at night, and nest in areas that rarely get disturbed. By the time you see one, there are usually more hiding nearby.
But there are some signs of rodents that you can look for. These are some common signs of rodent activity that our rodent control technicians will spot:
- Droppings: Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings near food storage, behind equipment, or along baseboards are one of the most reliable indicators of rodent activity. Mouse droppings are roughly the size of a grain of rice; rat droppings are larger and more oblong.
- Gnaw marks: Rodents chew constantly to keep their teeth worn down. Look for gnaw marks on packaging, wooden structures, wiring, and door frames.
- Grease marks: Rats and mice follow the same routes repeatedly. Over time, the oils from their fur leave dark smear marks along walls and baseboards.
- Nests: Rodents build nests from shredded paper, insulation, and fabric in dark, undisturbed areas such as wall voids, storage rooms, and behind appliances.
- Scratching or scurrying sounds: Noises in walls, ceilings, or under floors, especially at night, often point to rodent activity.
- Unusual odors: A persistent musty smell in a storage area or utility room can indicate a rodent presence.
- Damaged stock or packaging: Chewed packaging or contaminated product is a serious concern, particularly in food-handling environments.
Rodent control is especially important for the food industry. Rodents are known to contaminate or consume around 20% of the world's food supply. For food processing, warehousing, and hospitality businesses, the stakes are especially high.