The Essential Guide to Rodents: Facts, Behaviors & Identification Tips
Rodent facts every homeowner should know
Rodents don’t stop gnawing
Mice and rats constantly chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. They can damage wood, insulation, drywall, and even electrical wiring.
Rodents are nocturnal
Most rodents are active at night. Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings after dark are common signs of a rodent infestation.
Rodents have incredibly strong memories
Rats and mice can remember pathways, food sources, and safe routes through a home once they’ve explored it. That’s why effective rodent control focuses on removing access points — not just removing the rodents you see.
How we handle rodent control
Aptive’s rodent control experts carefully place professional rodent traps with various food and bait items in areas that are out of reach of pets and children to help get rid of mice, rats, and voles. We take the time to identify the most effective locations for each trap that will lead to efficient rodent removal from your home and property.
Every home is different, which is why our rodent control experts take a thoughtful, customized approach to treatment. We listen carefully to your concerns, inspect your property for signs of rodents, and develop a targeted plan to protect your home and yard. We’re dedicated to providing you with peace of mind so you can make yourself at home again. Connect with your local Aptive team for specialized rodent control and experience our exceptional service with confidence.
Did you know? A single female mouse can produce up to 60 offspring per year—making mice one of the fastest-growing household pests*.
What do rodents look like?
Most rodents have small to medium-sized bodies, fur-covered tails, rounded ears, and strong front teeth that continuously grow. Common household rodents like rats and mice are typically gray or brown and have slender bodies that allow them to squeeze through small openings. According to the CDC, mice can fit through a hole the width of a pencil (1/4 inch) or roughly the size of a dime. Their physical features make rodents well suited for climbing, gnawing, and nesting inside homes and structures. Voles are stocky rodents with blunt muzzles, tiny eyes and ears, and noticeably short tails compared to mice.
What are the signs of rodent infestation?
Rodent infestations often start quietly but leave behind clear warning signs. Common indicators include scratching or scurrying noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night, along with droppings that appear near food sources, cabinets, or baseboards. You may also notice gnaw marks on wires, packaging, or wood, greasy rub marks along walls, or shredded materials rodents use for nesting. A strong, musty odor can also signal an active rodent presence in your home.
Aptive’s Service Pros are trained to identify these signs and more and use them to ensure your home is thoroughly treated.
What causes rodent infestations?
Rodent infestations typically occur when rodents find easy access to food, water, and shelter. Crumbs, unsecured garbage, and pet food can quickly attract them, while warm, protected areas inside homes provide ideal nesting sites. Small cracks, gaps, and other structural openings allow rodents to enter unnoticed, and excess moisture or high humidity can make these environments even more appealing.
How to get rid of rodents?
To get rid of rats, mice, or voles, start by removing access to food and water sources. Store food, pet food, and birdseed in sealed containers, keep living areas clean, and fix leaks or excess moisture in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Seal cracks and gaps around walls, windows, and doors to block entry points.
While these proactive steps are essential for prevention, the most effective way to deter a rodent infestation is with Aptive’s professional rodent treatments, which provide a comprehensive solution. You can get a free pest control service quote here.