Bio-One of Marion County decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Mice or Menace: Recognizing the Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Mice or Menace Recognizing the Signs of a Rodent Infestation - Bio-One of Marion County

In the serene comfort of your home, the last thing you want is uninvited guests, especially if they're scurrying with tiny, sharp claws. Rodent infestations are a hassle that anyone can face at any point in our homes, yet this menace can become a reality if the signs are overlooked. In this post, we'll guide you through recognizing signs of a rodent infestation, the risks involved, and how to fend off these furry intruders.

More Than a Mere Inconvenience

Rodent invasions are more than an inconvenience; they can cause health and property damage. These creatures are on the lookout for warmth, food, and a place to nest, mainly as the seasons change. Understanding why these pests target houses can aid in preventive measures to keep them at bay.

gray mouse and rat garbage on dirty floor

Understanding Rodent Behavior

Mice and rats are the most common rodents that breach homes. They're not fussy about their dwellings and will contentedly nest in attics, basements, and even within the walls. But what draws them to your abode? Here are some risk factors associated with signs of a rodent infestation:

  1. Easy access: These critters can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel, meaning that they do not require much space to invade your home. Additionally, cluttered spaces and overgrown vegetation shelter them to go unnoticed.
  2. Food sources: Mice and rats will consume practically anything edible, making any household with food supplies an ideal habitat for these rodents.
  3. Water sources: Rodents need water as much as humans do, and they're more likely to settle in areas with ample water supply.
  4. Warmth: As the seasons change, rats and mice seek shelter from harsh weather conditions. Homes are warm compared to outdoor environments, making them attractive shelter options.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Recognizing the unequivocal signs of an infestation is crucial in early intervention. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:

Visual Signs

  • Droppings: Possibly the most apparent indication. These dark, rice-sized pellets are often found along walls or places of frequent rodent travel.
  • Gnaw Marks: Rodents constantly gnaw to keep their teeth sharp, so look out for bite marks on furniture, food packaging, or electrical wires.
  • Nests: These may be hidden in secluded parts of the home, featuring shredded paper or fabric.

Auditory Signs

  • Scratching: Listen for scratching sounds from the ceilings or inside walls, particularly at night.
  • Squeaking: Rodents communicate through various noises, with squeaking being a telltale sign.

Odor Signs

  • Urine: A strong ammonia-like smell can indicate an active infestation.
  • Musky Smell: Rodents have a distinctive musky odor that becomes more pronounced with a larger population.
example of rodent nests

Health Risks Associated with Rodents

Beyond the "ick" factor, rodents can be harbingers of diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis, among others. They can also exacerbate allergy symptoms and asthma with their dander and droppings.

Take a look at our guide made by our friends at Bio-One of Orange: Common Diseases from Rodent Infestations: How To Stay Safe

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures can significantly decrease the potential for infestation:

  • Sealing Entry Points: Block small gaps or holes on the exterior of your home to prevent entry.
  • Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers and keep kitchen areas clean.
  • Waste Management: Dispose of garbage regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
  • Traps and Baits: Utilize these for active infestations, but practice caution if you have children or pets.
  • Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is severe, professional pest control services may be necessary.

For a comprehensive approach, DIY approaches can be effective, but sometimes the situation calls for seasoned experts. Specialized services can offer robust solutions to not only address the current problem but also prevent future ones. We at Bio-One of Marion County provide extensive cleanup services to address the aftermath of rodent droppings.

rodent dropping pest control technician

Bio-One of Marion County is Ready to Help

Early detection and consistent action are the bedrock of keeping your home rodent-free. Watch for the signs of a rodent infestation and act swiftly to mitigate the risks. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine, or in this case, preserves your peace of mind and shields your home from the woes of wandering whiskers.

If you've spotted the unfortunate signs of an infestation, don't hesitate. Get in touch with Bio-One of Marion County, and we'll handle the rest. We have the necessary expertise to eliminate rodents and clean up any mess they may leave behind!


Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority. 

Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service.  We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.

Rebecca Wallace, Bio-One owner, recently visited with Arizona Midday to share how the Bio-One team makes a difference on and off the job in Arizona and throughout the United States. 

Arizona Midday - "Well we've got some help for your home right now. If you're feeling overwhelmed by a clean-up project, we've got help for you today. Rebecca Wallace is with Bio-One. Hi Rebecca. What is Bio-One?"

Rebecca - "So Bio-One is known for crime and trauma scene clean-up. However, we do a lot more than just that. We help people when there is a hoarding situation, so that they can regain their home and their lives again. We help with infectious disease decontaminationrodent droppingsodor abatement, basically if you think you might need a respirator to do the job we're the people you want to call."

Arizona Midday - "Wow, that's incredible. It's stuff we don't want to do. What made you decide to get into this line of work?" 

Rebecca - "So, me and my husband live in Flagstaff most of the time and we were talking with some first responders and heard how when people pass away or they're hoarders there is no one that can help them. There's just no one who does this kind of work. So we decided we want to be able to help our community, help those around us during a time of need so they can actually move forward in their lives and not have to deal with the mess of maybe things that have happened that they don't want to have to think about."

Arizona Midday - "I love that idea. So in order to help your clients as much as possible, do you work with other companies? Tell me about that if you do."

Rebecca - "Yes, we do. We work with quite a few other companies, because what we do is just a piece of a whole puzzle. So we work with a lot of restoration companies, Best Option Restoration, they are state-wide like us so they can help us anywhere as well. We work with animal rescues, so if there is a hoarding situation that animals are involved in we can get the animals out safely and get them rehabilitated. We work with quite a few non-profits that help first responders if they're in a time of need or crisis. It's across the board. We work with all kinds of different people. Contractors. Mental health professionals. Anyone that can be a piece of that puzzle with us, we want to work with them. 

Arizona Midday - "Oh, I love that. So what areas of Arizona does Bio-One cover?"

Rebecca - "We have offices all the way down from Tucson up to Flagstaff, and everything in-between. Our goal is to be able to help our clients within 90 minutes or less if there is an emergency. So we have offices everywhere. Any we're national. We have 120 offices throughout the US as well. 

Arizona Midday - "Wow. That's incredible. So you work with businesses. You work with non-profits, but you're also really involved in the community too, right? Tell me about that."

Rebecca - "Yeah we are. It's important for us to give back. Our community is important. We live here. We're part of it. So in 2020 alone, we gave out over 25,000 bottles of chemicals that are approved by the EPA for COVID-19 decontamination. We have blood drives all throughout Arizona to help with the blood shortage. We donate PPE to first responders and victim advocates. And we have BBQ's throughout the state as well for all of our first responders just to tell them thank you for what they've been doing. They work hard and we want to make sure that they know we care. 

Arizona Midday - "Rebecca Wallace, incredible work that you're doing with Bio-One.  And thank you so much for spending time with us today. 

Rebecca - "Thank you for having me."