Here in Minnesota, rodents are definitely a winter pest. When temperatures drop, these creatures are highly motivated to find a place to hide from the cold. But what many residents don't realize is that rodents aren't just a winter pest. They can invade homes any time of the year. And, when they invade, they are motivated to stay. Your home is perfect for them. It provides safety from predators that nature does not. And, in many cases, much easier access to food and water.

When rodents get into homes they can present many dangers. All furry animals have the capacity to introduce parasites into a home such as lice, mites, ticks, and fleas, but few animals are as adept at doing this as mice and rats. Once inside your home, these critters won't be content to stay in your attic or wall voids. They will be actively exploring while you sleep. This can bring parasites to every nook and cranny of your house.

Rodents will spread something else throughout your home: illness. Not only can rodents carry diseases inside them and spread disease with their droppings, they also pick up harmful bacteria from trash cans and other dirty places and bring that bacteria into your kitchen and pantry. That is why it is vital to recognize the signs of rodent infestation.

Rodent Signs

• Droppings. These are usually the first sign of rodent infestation. Rodents leave their droppings when they travel around a home. Droppings can usually be found in the back of drawers, shelves, and cabinets.

• Holes. There are two ways holes can be a sign of rodent infestation. These creatures prefer to be as close to their food source as they can get. If they are feeding on items in your pantry, you're likely to find a hole in the wall, near the floor. You're also likely to find holes in food packages.

• Urine. Rodents don't only leave feces as they forage. They also urinate. This will be most noticeable on shelves that have powdery substances or dust accumulation.

• Smell. The more rodents you have, the greater the smell. Not just a smell from waste products, but a musky smell from pheromone scents produced.

• Illness. If your family is battling illness, it may be a sign for you to look for some of the other signs on this list.

If you're finding rodent signs in your Minnesota home, it is not a good idea to try and combat those invaders on your own. You may find yourself removing dead mice and rats for years without any relief. Call Adam's Pest Control and get control of those rodents. Our team of QualityPro Certified experts won't just ensure that all rodents are removed, they'll put measures in place to make sure no future infestations occur. That is the smart way to deal with these destructive, illness spreading pests.