How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Rodents rarely show themselves. The first clues are their droppings, gnaw marks, noises in the walls or attic, grease marks along their runs and sometimes a persistent smell of urine. The earlier an infestation is spotted, the easier it is to treat.
How do I recognise mouse and rat droppings?
Mouse droppings are small (3 to 6 mm), thin and pointed at the ends. Rat droppings are much bigger (10 to 20 mm depending on the species) and generally thicker. Fresh, shiny, soft droppings indicate recent activity.
What are the first signs of an infestation?
Even before seeing an animal, you often notice droppings, gnawed packaging or cables, scratching at night, grease marks along the walls, and a smell of urine once the infestation is established.
Are rats and mice dangerous to health?
Yes. They can contaminate food and transmit certain diseases through their urine, droppings or parasites. It's recommended never to handle their droppings with bare hands and to avoid dry-sweeping them.
Can mice go upstairs?
Yes. They're excellent climbers. They use service ducts, partition walls, pipes or cables to reach the attic or upper floors.
Is a cat enough to clear an infestation?
No. A cat may catch a few individuals and deter some rodents, but it removes neither the nests, nor the entry points, nor a colony that's already established.
Are ultrasonic repellers effective?
Their effectiveness is limited. They may disturb rodents for a few days, but the animals often end up getting used to them. Sealing entry points, removing food and trapping remain the most effective methods.
What's the smallest hole a mouse can get through?
A mouse can slip through a hole of about 6 mm, roughly the thickness of a pencil. A rat needs a bigger opening, usually around 20 mm. That's why sealing entry points is essential.
Why do I hear scratching in the walls?
Rodents are mostly active at night. The scratching is them moving through partition walls, false ceilings or the attic as they look for food or build their nest.
What should I do if I find rats or mice at home?
Start by identifying the entry points, store all food in closed containers, set traps along their runs and seal the openings with rodent-proof materials. If the signs persist or increase, call a professional.
Why do I have rats or mice at home?
They're looking for three things: food, water and shelter. A simple gap under a door, a hole around a pipe or a poorly closed bin can be enough to attract them.
How fast do rats and mice reproduce?
Very fast. A female can have several litters a year. So a small presence can become an infestation within a few months if nothing is done.
Do rats only live in sewers?
No. The brown rat frequents sewers, but it also lives in cellars, garages, gardens, warehouses or farm buildings. The black rat prefers heights, such as attics and roof timbers.
Do essential oils or mint drive rodents away?
Their effect is temporary at best. They never replace sealing entry points or trapping, and they can't clear an established infestation.
Do rats attack humans?
Normally, no. Rats avoid people and flee whenever they can. However, they may bite if cornered, injured or handled.
