How to Tell if Rodents Are in Your Walls

If you had to rank pests by which ones you’d least like to have in your home, rodents would probably top the list. These are often the biggest pests to get into homes, and they’re also one of the most dangerous and destructive. Knowing how to tell if rodents are in your walls is something every homeowner should be able to do. 

The sooner you identify a rodent infestation, the sooner you can get rid of it, helping minimize the problems they cause. All-American Pest Control has been helping Middle Tennessee homeowners solve rodent problems since 1961, and we have the tips you need to help you identify a rodent infestation in your walls.

Why Rodents Hide in Walls

Rodents are curious by nature, but they’re also cautious. They like to live in secluded areas away from activity and potential danger. Your walls offer an ideal space where rodents can nest in safety. Your walls are warm, they often contain insulation that can be used as nesting material, and they are a great way for rodents to safely travel from place to place within your house. Wall voids provide everything rodents need for shelter while also allowing for easy access to food and water.

Signs That You Might Have Rodents in the Walls

Although there is nothing good about a rodent infestation, there is good news when it comes to identifying a rodent infestation. Even though these pests like to avoid people, they’re not very good at making themselves invisible. If you end up with mice or rats in your house, there will be quite a few signs to warn you.

Strange Noises Coming From Inside Your Walls 

Mice and rats are fairly large compared to other pests. When they get into your walls, they’re going to make noise as they move around. You may hear scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds, especially during evening and nighttime hours. Since rodents are primarily nocturnal creatures, they are most active after dark. This can actually work in your favor, since homes tend to be quieter at night, making it easier for you to hear the rodents. In addition to them being in your walls, you may also hear them in your ceilings, basement, or attic.

Visible Droppings Near Baseboards and Entry Points

Rodents leave droppings wherever they go. Since they’ll likely spend quite a bit of time looking for food in your kitchen and pantry, you’re likely to find droppings in these areas, but they’re also going to be in heavy supply in rodent nesting areas.

Mouse droppings are small, dark, and shaped like grains of rice, while rat droppings are larger and have blunt ends. Fresh droppings appear moist and dark, while older ones turn gray and crumbly. You’re likely to find rodent droppings in clusters in the places where rodents spend the most time.

Grease Marks and Rub Marks Along Walls

Rodents leave oily streaks along walls as they travel the same paths repeatedly. These dark smudges appear near baseboards, corners, and entry holes, and the marks indicate heavy rodent traffic in specific areas. 

Chewed Wires, Insulation, and Structural Damage

Rodents gnaw constantly to keep their teeth from getting too long. As a result, they often chew on things they shouldn't. Damaged wires create fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. Shredded insulation leads to a less efficient home. Holes in pipes cause water leaks. If you notice any of these issues, they could be caused by rodents.

Unpleasant Odors That Won't Go Away

A strong, musky smell indicates a large rodent population. Urine and droppings create persistent odors in enclosed spaces and dead rodents trapped in walls produce an unmistakable scent of decay. 

Pet Behavior Changes Around Walls

Pets often pick up on signals that humans miss. They can hear high-frequency sounds that humans can’t hear and their sense of smell is much more sensitive than ours. If your dog or cat shows an increased interest in baseboards, corners, or walls, it may be because rodents are hiding behind them.

What to Do if You Suspect Rodents in Your Walls

Now that you know the signs of a rodent infestation, you need to know what to do if you find any of those signs in your house. The first thing to do is to contact All-American Pest Control. Many homeowners try DIY methods first, but these usually don’t work and some can lead to unintended consequences. If you put out rodent bait, you might end up with dead rodents in your walls. If you put out traps, your family or pets might accidentally trigger them, injuring themselves in the process. 

With professional rodent control from All-American Pest Control, you can be certain that your rodent problem will be fully eliminated. We safely and carefully eliminate and remove rodents, as well as ensure that new infestations don’t get inside.

For Rodent Control That Works, Contact All-American Pest Control

Whether you’ve seen signs of rodents or not, it’s a great time to contact All-American Pest Control for our effective rodent control services. By implementing rodent control before rodents move in with you, you can avoid the many problems that they cause. Get in touch with us today to schedule your rodent inspection and control.

Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.