Rodents Archives • EcoCare Pest Control

7 Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem

by Ken VahnDijk | Mar 27, 2023 | Infestations, Rodents, Wildlife

Updated: March 27, 2023

The squirrels running around your neighborhood are harmless, right? Generally speaking, yes – squirrels are very common here in the Portland area, especially the Western Gray Squirrel, and will typically keep to themselves.

On the other hand, our wildlife control team has worked with countless homeowners who have gone months without realizing the damage these “harmless neighborhood squirrels” are inflicting on their property.

The key is to stay aware of squirrel activity around your home so you can catch and control any issues right away. In this blog post, we’re outlining 7 tell-tale signs of squirrels wreaking havoc on your home.

Dealing With A Squirrel Problem? We’ll Take Care of the Issue Naturally.

Learn more about our approach to squirrel removal and control.

1. Strange noises around your home

If you’re paying attention, there’s a good chance you’ll hear a squirrel before you see any visual evidence. This is especially true during the winter or rainy months when you’re less likely to notice exterior signs of squirrel problems. Throughout the year, keep your ears open for unusual noises in your home. The two most common types of sounds you’ll hear are:

Scurrying and scampering
Scratching or chewing (squirrels inside your home will chew on everything from wood beams to drywall and electrical wiring!)

Squirrels often make their nests in attics, so you’ll likely notice these sounds coming from your ceiling. However, don’t discount these noises if you hear them in other areas of your home, such as your chimney.

2. Damage around your home

Inside your home, evidence of squirrel damage can be difficult to see. Most of the interior issues caused by squirrels are hidden away in your attic or walls. Take a peek in these areas and you may notice…

Teeth marks in wires, wood, and walls
Chewed electrical wires
Nests in your insulation
Wood chips scattered everywhere
Air vent damage

While you may not immediately notice if a squirrel is chewing up the inside of your attic and walls, it’s easier to spot signs of squirrel damage around the exterior of your home. If you suspect a squirrel problem, an inspection of your property will be very telling! Some things to look for include…

Holes in your shingles
Roofline damage
Chew marks on the outer panels of your home
Ripped open garbage bags or garbage scattered around your yard
Damage to bird feeders
Chewed up outdoor furniture
Chewed bark on young trees
Eaten garden plants

3. Squirrel droppings in your garage or attic

Squirrel droppings are a great indicator of an infestation issue and are most often found in your garage, attic, or near entry points around your home. However, identifying squirrel droppings can be difficult, as they look similar to other critters like bats, raccoons, and rats.

If you notice any type of droppings around your home, exercise caution. Wildlife droppings of any kind carry dangerous diseases and bacteria, such as salmonella. Avoid coming into contact with these droppings. Instead, immediately call a wildlife control company to come inspect the issue and identify the culprit.

4. A foul, decaying smell

If squirrels are finding their way into your home, there’s a good chance some of them aren’t making it out. Some squirrels get stuck while others are just too young to fend for themselves. Whatever the reasoning, soon these squirrels will die and start to decay. Many of our customers call us when they suddenly notice a strong, terrible odor in their house. This can be the smell of a dead squirrel stuck under your home, in your walls, or up in your attic. This squirrel needs to be found and removed in order to rid your home of this unpleasant smell. Pro tip: If you’ve tried to take care of a squirrel problem on your own by using a poison, you’ll likely eventually be faced with dead squirrels (and a horrible smell) inside your home. It’s always better to call an expert to take care of the issue naturally in order to avoid this issue.

5. Squirrel footprints

Squirrel tracks are fairly easy to identify. They’re small, with the front paws having 4 toes and the back having 5. In the winter, you may notice tracks in the snow or mud. During the rest of the year, you can often see tracks from their wet feet on your deck or driveway.

If you want to do some extra sleuthing, put a piece of cardboard covered in flour in the area you suspect the squirrels are inhabiting. If you have a squirrel problem in that area, you’ll soon notice tracks in the flour.

6. Signs of water damage on your walls or ceiling

Have you noticed water damage on your ceiling or walls? We hate to tell you this, but it might not be water damage at all, but rather signs of a squirrel population living in your attic. The longer a squirrel lives in your home, the more feces and urine it produces. If left unnoticed, eventually this waste will build up and seep into your insulation and wood. Just like water damage, this can cause staining, peeling, and bubbling in your walls.

7. Squirrel fights around the neighborhood

Seeing squirrels fighting in your yard doesn’t inherently mean you have a squirrel infestation, but it’s a good indication your home is at risk. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have all the great natural resources a squirrel needs to live a long and happy life. However, if a squirrel population is too large in one area, these critters will start fighting to defend their resources and rights to survival.

What to do if you have a squirrel problem

Identifying if your home has a squirrel problem (or is susceptible to a squirrel problem) is the first step in managing the issue. From there, it’s all about removing the squirrels currently living in your home and causing problems followed by exclusion work to prevent any future access. Here in Portland and Vancouver, there are laws dictating how you can control squirrel populations around your home. For example, did you know it’s illegal to:

Relocate squirrels from one property to another
Keep a squirrel as a pet

Additionally, if you notice a squirrel in your home anytime between the months of March to September, you can assume there’s a nest of baby squirrels somewhere in your home.

Choose preventative and eco-friendly wildlife control methods

Squirrels are so common here in the Pacific Northwest that many homeowners never consider how they might be causing problems for their property. However, now that you do know, make sure to take a preventative approach to protecting your home and family. At EcoCare Pest Control, our experienced wildlife exterminators take a careful 3-step approach to helping you control the squirrel population around your home. We’ll stop the issue at the source and keep squirrels around your home from causing any more damage.

Have Questions About Working with Our Team? Get Answers!

Read our Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know About Rats, Mice, Wildlife and Electrical Problems

by Ken VahnDijk | Mar 2, 2023 | Home Care, Pest Control, Rodents

Updated: March 2nd, 2023

Rodents might look cute, but you DEFINITELY don’t want them in your home. Not only can they carry disease, but their constant need to chew can wreak havoc on your electrical system, opening up your home to unforeseen fire danger.

But how do they cause electrical problems, and what can you do to stop them? Let’s take a look!

Why do Mice and Rats chew on wires?

Contrary to how it might seem, Rats and Mice aren’t always on the lookout for wires to chew. Really, they’re looking for just about anything to chew, because their teeth never stop growing! While our own teeth are rooted into our jawbone, a rodent’s incisors don’t have any roots. So they aren’t constantly chewing things to be a pain — they are constantly chewing to grind down their teeth and prevent them from growing into their brains. They often go for wires simply because they’re there, and they’re hidden where the rodent is also hidden (like between walls). Unfortunately, when rodents chew on wires, it opens up your home to a greater chance of an electrical fire. This can be caused by frayed wires or a short circuit.

Dangers of electrical fires

Electrical failures or malfunctions cause 13% of home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. They are the second leading cause of home fires. Unfortunately, the risk of an electrical fire increases when rodents come into contact with loose wiring, electrical panels, and more. That’s why it’s important to prevent rodents from entering the home as much as possible, and to recognize the common signs of electrical problems.

Signs of electrical problems when Mice Chew On Wires

Rats and Mice are nocturnal creatures, meaning that the majority of the time, you probably won’t notice them in your home right away. Because Rats or Mice usually choose to chew on wires that are hidden away, it’s likely you won’t even know they are chewing on the wiring until your home starts showing signs of electrical problems.

If you notice signs of any of these electrical problems, look around your home for signs of rodents.

Flickering lights
Bite marks on wiring you can see, or frayed wires
“Blinking” appliances or computers
Acrid burning odor
Droppings near outlets or wiring runs
Power failures

Regardless of these signs, it’s a good idea to regularly check the electrical wiring in your home to ensure it’s functioning properly and safely. Many electricians recommend scheduling an inspection every 3-5 years or so.

Tips to keep Mice and Rats out of your home

Tip #1 – Seal holes, cracks, and gaps in your house

Did you know Rats and Mice can fit through openings less than ½” in diameter? This creates a lot of opportunity for them to make a home in your home. Common places to check for holes include:

Near doors
Inside closets (near the corners)
In, around, or under kitchen cabinets
Around pipes under the sink
Inside the attic, basement, or crawl space
Adjacent to windows

Tip #2 – Clean up and properly store food

We all love food, but so do rodents. Make sure you properly store food both inside and outside of the home. You can do this by:

Store your food in containers with tight lids
Wipe up any spills and keeping kitchen surfaces clear of food debris (including dirty dishes)
Keep all cooking areas — including outside patios and grills — clean at all times
Cover garbage cans with a tight lid
Don’t leave pet food outside overnight and keep bird feeders away from your house
Store pet food in a sealed container
Pick produce from your garden or backyard before it goes bad
Keep compost at least 100 feet away from your house

Tip #3 – Don’t give them a place to call home

We know you won’t always be able to control this, but here are a few simple things you can do to eliminate living spaces for rodents in or around your home:

Move wood piles at least 100 feet away from the house
Keep your grass and shrubbery cut short
Trim tree branches at least 4 feet away from your home
Remove old cars, trucks, or tires that you aren’t using — these make great homes for rodents

Tip #4 – Call the professionals at EcoCare

One of the best ways to prevent rodents from infesting your home and causing electrical problems is to work with professionals, like the skilled team at EcoCare. We’ll help you set up regular inspections and recommend a maintenance plan.

Inspection

First, our exterminators will visit your home and conduct a detailed inspection of the property. They’ll inspect the inside of your property, including the attic or crawlspace, and search for signs of nests, infestations, or electrical damage. Additionally, they’ll scour the foundation and outside of your home for holes or small cracks that might allow a rodent in. Depending on what our exterminators find, they’ll recommend a customized treatment plan to best suit you and your home.

Exclusion

With so many opportunities for rodents to invite themselves in, “Rat proofing” your home can be a daunting task. But not for us! Our exterminators will thoroughly examine holes and cracks in your home. Then, they’ll seal off any questionable openings, like those found around pipes, vents, wires, and more. This is an important step in preventing future infestations.

Eco-friendly extermination

We are dedicated not only to ridding your home of pests, but to doing it in a safe and non-toxic way. With that in mind, our exterminators will only use rat poison inside of your home as a last resort. The use of poison inside your home might lead the rodent to die inside your walls, causing even more problems. Instead, we’ll use rat traps to humanely capture the rodents inside your home without posing any risk to your children or pets.

Rodent maintenance program

Keeping rodents out of your home takes a lot of work and effort. This is especially true for homes in areas with: compost piles, feeding stations for chickens, birds, or squirrels, homes on a greenbelt, and homes in a neighborhood with a Rat problem. Luckily, there’s a rodent maintenance program for that! Rodent maintenance with EcoCare looks like:

Setting up bait traps outside your home at common entry points to capture rodents before they enter your home
Regularly coming to inspect your home and remove any rodents based on a schedule that’s convenient to you

Schedule an appointment with EcoCare today!

Preventing rodents from infesting your home and damaging your electrical system is both an important and never-ending task. We can help! Learn more about our eco-friendly rodent control options and how we can help by contacting us today.

When to Call an Exterminator for Mice

by EcoCare Pest Control | Feb 14, 2023 | Rodents

Mice infestations can be a significant problem for homeowners, landlords, and businesses. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to your property and pose health risks. If you suspect a mice problem in your Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington area property, it is essential to take action quickly.

But how do you know when to call professionals? This article will inform you when to call an exterminator for mouse control. In addition, we will share our expert insights and tips to help you eliminate mice and keep them from returning.

Signs of a Mice Problem

Several signs may indicate a mice problem on your property:

Sightings: Seeing a mouse in your home or business demonstrates that you have an infestation. Mice are active at night, so you may see them scurrying around after dark.
Droppings: Mice leave behind small, dark droppings wherever they go. These droppings may be found along walls, under furniture, and in cupboards and drawers.
Gnaw marks: Mice have constantly growing incisors, which they use to gnaw on various materials. Look for small, precise gnaw marks on wood, plastic, and other materials in your home or business.
Nests: Mice build nests using materials like shredded paper or fabric. You may find a nest in a warm, secluded area such as inside walls, attics, or under floorboards.
Strange smells: A mice infestation may produce a musty or musky odor, often due to the presence of urine and feces.
Damage: Mice can cause damage to your property by chewing on electrical wiring, which can be a fire hazard. You may also notice holes or damage to walls, floors, and other surfaces.

If you notice these signs, taking action as soon as possible is important to prevent the infestation from worsening. An exterminator for ice can help you identify the extent of the problem and provide a solution to get rid of them.

Health Hazards of Mice Infestation in Your House

Mice are parasites and disease carriers, posing several health risks, especially in the house. Their urine and droppings can contaminate food and surfaces.

Here are some ways mice can affect your health:

Disease Transmission

If mice infect your home, they can transmit diseases through a variety of ways, including:

Direct contact with mice or their urine, feces, or saliva
Consumption of food or water contaminated with mice droppings or urine
Bites from infected mice
Inhalation of dust or particles contaminated with mice urine or feces

These pests can carry and transmit several diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonella, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV).

Allergic Reactions

Mice can cause allergic reactions in some people due to proteins in their urine, saliva, and dander. Symptoms of a mouse allergy may include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Some people may also develop skin irritation or rashes after contact with mice or surfaces contaminated with mice’s urine or feces.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes airways to narrow and inflame, making breathing difficult. Allergens found in mice urine and droppings can trigger asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to them.

Measures to Avoid Mice Invasion

There are several measures you can take to avoid mice invasion in your home and minimize the associated health risks:

Seal up entry points: Mice can squeeze through small openings, so it is essential to seal up any cracks or holes in the exterior of your home, including around windows, doors, and pipes.
Store food properly: Mice are attracted to food, so it is important to store food in sealed containers and keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs.
Remove sources of water: Mice need water to survive, so you should fix any leaks and remove sources of standing water, such as clogged gutters or dripping faucets.
Keep your home clean: Mice are attracted to cluttered and dirty areas, so it is important to keep your home clean and clutter-free.
Use traps: If you have a mouse problem, it may be necessary to catch and remove the mice. Be sure to follow proper safety precautions when using traps and dispose of the mice safely and humanely.
Use repellents: Some natural repellents, such as peppermint oil, can help deter mice from entering your home.

Exterminate Mice In Your Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington Property With EcoCare Pest Control

As a property owner in Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington, it is important to protect your home and family from the health risks and damage caused by mice. You should call an exterminator for mice if you have experienced any of the following:

If you have tried to get rid of the mice using traps and other methods, but they keep coming back, or the infestation has worsened
If you have a significant infestation and cannot control it on your own
If you are unsure of how to safely and effectively get rid of the mice

EcoCare Pest Control is a trusted and reputable exterminator specializing in humane and eco-friendly pest control methods. We have the expertise and equipment to effectively remove mice from your home and prevent them from returning.

By calling us, you can rest assured that your home will be safe and protected from the health risks and damage caused by mice. So don’t wait until the problem worsens – contact us today to protect your home and family.

Featured Image: Sergey Zaykov / Shuterstock

Rat or Mouse: Does It Even Matter?

by Ken VahnDijk | Jun 11, 2018 | Infestations, Pest Control, Rodents

Do you have a sinking feeling your Portland or Vancouver home is suffering from a Rat or Mouse infestation? Unfortunately, here in the Pacific Northwest this is an all too common occurrence. If you’ve found droppings or noticed signs of rodent damage, you may not know whether it’s a Mouse or Rat. If you don’t know, does it matter?

In this post, we’ll answer that question. We’ll also outline the main differences between Rats and Mice and the damage they cause.

Already know you have a problem? Learn more about our Portland and Vancouver area Rat and Mice extermination services.

What’s the difference between Rats and Mice?

While both Rats and Mice are rodents, they have distinct characteristics that are important to recognize to help you identify which has infiltrated your home.

Rats

The two main types of Rats in the Portland and Vancouver areas include:

Norway Rats: Also known as Sewer Rats, these brown Rats are known for invading homes and will generally stay in the basement or first floor. They are larger than Roof Rats (generally 7-10 inches long not counting the tail). Their tails are always shorter than the body.
Roof Rats: While these black Rats are somewhat smaller than Norway Rats at around 6 inches long, they cause just as much trouble. Roof Rats have long tails and are climbers known to live in trees. When they make their way into homes, they generally live in walls, ceilings, or other elevated and enclosed spaces.

Mice

The most common types of Mice found in the Portland and Vancouver areas include:

House Mice: Also called “Field Mice,” these tiny creatures reside in fields when not leeching off humans. Once inside, these Mice reproduce rapidly and wreak havoc on your home. House Mice are generally 2.5-3.5 inches long not counting the tail, and have a light gray color.
Deer Mice: Found more frequently in rural areas, Deer Mice prefer seeking cover in less insulated structures like barns or sheds. When conditions are bad outside however, Deer Mice will infiltrate your home. Deer Mice are about the same size as House Mice, but with a gray and brown complexion.

Is it a Rat or Mouse in my home?

Though the problems Rats and Mice create are similar, they are distinct creatures with different behaviors and signs of infestation.

Rat and Mouse droppings

One of the most common ways to diagnose a rodent infestation is through the discovery of droppings. Simply put, rodent droppings will be found where they are most active. You’ll usually find the droppings near where rodents nest or eat. This could include:

Kitchens, including anywhere food is stored
Attic or basement
Cardboard boxes or other storage bins
Under furniture
Wherever you store clothes

Generally, you can determine the species of rodent by the type of droppings they create. Consult the below chart to determine whether your home has been infiltRated by Rats or Mice.

Take note: rodent droppings should be handled and inspected with extreme care. Rodent feces carries dangerous bacteria, viruses, and disease. If picking up, make sure you use rubber gloves and keep away from your face.

	Rat	Mouse
Shape	¾ inch and curved and capsule shaped	¼ inch and spindle shaped
Quantity	A few dozen droppings total a day	100-150 droppings total a day
Location	Places humans visit infrequently, including: Attics Garages Basements Roofs Walls They can also be found around kitchen areas	More apparent, Mice droppings can be found: Behind kitchen appliances or furniture Silverware drawer Inside pantries Storage boxes or containers Can also be found in hidden places like walls, basement, and attics
Color	Dark with shiny wet surface when fresh, turning gray and crumbly when old	Fresh droppings will be black, with old droppings turning gray

Physical damage

Both Rats and Mice are tremendous chewers, working their way through anything in their path. A Rat’s front teeth actually grow 4.5-5.5 inches a year! This length is whittled down as they gnaw through objects.

The damage the two rodents inflict to Portland and Vancouver homes is actually quite similar to one another. Rats are bigger however, meaning that the damage they inflict is generally more severe than damage caused by Mice.

Some common household items or features of your home that Mice and Rats damage include:

Electrical wiring
HVAC units
Foundations
Ductwork
Plastic and even lead piping (primarily an issue with Rats)
Siding
Insulation
Crawlspaces
Roofs

The damage caused by Mice and Rats can result in serious, long-term problems for your home, such as:

Water damage, leading to rotting and mold
Fires caused by electrical issues
Structural weakening caused by issues in a home’s foundation
Energy waste, with heat and AC escaping through torn heat ducts or weakened siding and insulated walls
Broken appliances due to electrical or even structural damage to the appliance

Disease

Rodents are notorious for spreading disease, particularly Rats. Notably, the Roof Rat is responsible for the bubonic plague! The disease is generally carried and contracted either through fecal matter or insects. Getting rid of the rodents as soon as possible is extremely important!

This importance is compounded by the fact that Rats and Mice are notorious for making their way into stored food (The United Nations estimates that Rats alone destroy $19 billion worth of food annually).

Once they’ve made their way into your stored food, they’ll then leave droppings right where you eat. If you don’t notice, the situation can turn extremely toxic and dangerous. Don’t let this happen to you!

Diseases Rats and Mice potentially carry include:

The plague
Salmonellosis
Trichinosis
Lyme disease
Rat-bite fever

Pest control for Rats and Mice

The question we’ve all been asking – does it matter whether you have been infiltRated by a Mouse or a Rat? The answer is unsurprising – a little bit of both.

Both Rats and Mice require a targeted and unique approach to extermination. While both can cause similar damage, they can reside in different parts of the home and have unique behavior. Due to this, they require different methods to truly rid a Portland or Vancouver home of the issue.

Whether you have a Rat infestation or Mouse infestation, make sure to call a pro!

While both Rats and Mice require specific solutions, as a homeowner the end result should be the same – calling a professional and ecologically friendly pest exterminator like EcoCare Pest Solutions.

When you work with EcoCare, we’ll use our targeted and precise methods to rid your home of Mice or Rats. Our approach includes:

Inspection and Analysis: Our experienced exterminators will begin by inspecting the entirety of your home, identifying the species and how they got into your home in the first place.
Exclusion: Once we find where the rodents are gaining entry, we’ll make sure they stay out for good by closing up openings around pipes, crawl spaces, roof adjoinments, and more.
Eco-Friendly Extermination: At EcoCare Pest Solutions, we focus our extermination on eco-friendly methods. We’ll rarely use poison inside your home. This is bad for the environment and causes rodents to die inside your home, causing horrible odors and unsafe air-quality.

Talk to the Rat and Mice extermination experts at EcoCare Pest Solutions. We can help your rid your home of rodents for good. Best of all? We do it in a safe way to ensure your family and pets are unaffected.

Learn more about our Rat and Mice extermination services today!

What Portland Homeowners Need to Know About Rodent & Wildlife Infestations

by Ken VahnDijk | Feb 13, 2018 | Infestations, Pest Control, Rodents, Wildlife

While internet sensations like Pizza Rat and Rocket Raccoon may paint a friendly picture of rats, raccoons, and other wildlife, I’d still wager that you don’t want these creatures destroying your property.

For instance, you probably wouldn’t enjoy waking up to scratching noises in the ceiling, a bat flying through your bedroom, or glass bottles shattering as these “friendly” critters rummage through your garbage. Unfortunately, here in the Pacific Northwest, these are all very common scenarios.

In today’s blog post, we’ll outline what Portland homeowners need to know about rodent and wildlife infestations. You’ll learn the more serious damage these creatures can cause, what to look for, and how to (safely and properly) handle an infestation.

Have questions along the way? Give us a call at (503) 222-5566. We’re here to help!

Rodents and Wildlife Can Cause Serious Damage to Your Home

Dealing with a rodent or wildlife infestation in your home is more than a nuisance; it’s a safety issue. These creatures are frequently the cause of fire hazards, foundation issues, diseases, and bugs.

We recently shared about the costly structural damage rodents and other pests inflict on homes throughout the PNW. Below we’re sharing a recap of some of the most common issues caused by rodents and wildlife.

Rats, Mice, & Bats Cause Insulation and Electrical Damage

Rats, mice, and bats all love to make their home in your insulation. Can you blame them? It’s the perfect warm, quiet, and cozy spot to sleep. When these critters tear through and chew holes in your insulation, the result is a weakened structure and a home that isn’t properly protected from the elements.

These creatures will also chew through anything that’s in their way, including electrical wires. Electrical fires accounted for 9% of all fires from 2011-2015. Often, rodents and pests are the cause of these electrical home fires.

Possums and Raccoons Leave Holes Everywhere

A dug up lawn or garden may not endanger your family, but it is frustrating. Raccoons will dig holes to hide food or other treasures, and opossums like to look under your yard for bugs to eat.

More seriously, raccoons are avid explorers and will stop at nothing to get into your house or attic if it looks interesting. They may even suddenly crash through your ceiling one day! These critters are often the cause of siding damage, broken glass, and holes in your roof or under your house.

Rats and Raccoons Steal and Destroy Your Property

Racoons are sneaky little bandits. If you have something they want, they’re going to take it (or try to, anyway). Take the rogue raccoon who broke into a liquor store in Tennessee, stealing spirits and causing a lot of damage. These creatures are mischievous!

Rats and mice are also known for sneaking into your home and stealing food or other tiny objects, gnawing on whatever they want along the way.

All Rodents & Wildlife Bring Bugs and Disease

In addition to all the above, keep in mind that all these rodents and wildlife carry various diseases and bugs. Raccoons and bats are common carriers of rabies and rats can transmit diseases like salmonella and hepatitis. Not to mention these creatures often also have parasites, fleas, and ticks and can be dangerous to your pets.

The Best Way to Prevent a Rodent or Wildlife Infestation

There are simple steps you can take to prevent rodents and wildlife from taking over your home. However, keep in mind that no matter how careful you are, a critter may still decide that your house looks interesting and is worth exploring. In these cases, it’s best to:

Keep up with home repairs – Don’t let holes, leaks, or other damage go untreated. Sealing up these spaces and keeping your home in good shape will help prevent rodents and wildlife from viewing your home as a good nesting spot and getting inside.
Maintain your yard – Cut back trees, keep ivy trimmed, add tree guards to your trees. All these can prevent critters from crawling up and onto your roof.
Store food properly – Unsealed food, food left on counters, or pet food sitting in the open is very attractive to rodents and wildlife.
Secure your garbage cans – Make sure your garbage cans are always closed. Don’t leave trash sitting out in bags. Keep the area around your garbage cans clean and clear.

Signs That Your Property Has a Rodent or Wildlife Problem

Aside from actually seeing a rat or opossum scurrying around your house and property, how do you know if you’re dealing with a one-off situation or are on the verge of an infestation?

Generally, if you begin to notice these critters on a recurring basis, it’s a good sign you have a problem. However, there are other specific things to watch out for, including:

Animal noises and droppings – Do you frequently hear scurrying or scratching noises in your walls or ceiling? You may also notice urine stains on your ceiling, floors, and walls, or find animal droppings in your pantry, attic, or living spaces.
Signs of internal or external damage – Around your house, look for holes in your siding, fences, and lawn. Garbage strewn about or broken glass is another sign. Inside, keep an eye out for teeth marks, frayed wires, or wood chips.
A foul smell – Creatures living in your home will soon start to stink up the place. This can come from their urine and droppings, old food they’re storing, or from those that have died in your walls or attic.

Never Try Removing these Animals on Your Own– It’s Dangerous

One of the most important things Portland homeowners need to know about a rodent or wildlife infestation is this: trying to trap and remove these creatures on your own can be very dangerous.

Raccoons can be aggressive. Rats may bite when provoked. Bats may attack if they feel threatened.

If we can leave you with one piece of advice today, it’s to never handle bats, raccoons, or other wildlife on your own. There’s simply too much risk involved. If you’re dealing with a rodent or wildlife issue, it’s best to work with an experienced Portland exterminator.

Always Clean Up after a Wildlife or Rodent Infestation

Did you know that simply removing the animals from your home is not enough? There are a series of steps that need to happen in order to repair damages and prevent a future infestation.

For example, rats and bats can leave behind feces and urine in your home, contaminating your insulation with dangerous viruses and parasites. Plus, the scent of a previous infestation can also attract other species. This needs to be removed and cleaned up to keep your home and family safe.

How We Can Help You Handle a Rodent or Wildlife Infestation

Whether you’re facing a full infestation or dealing with a just couple stubborn raccoons, we can help.

Here at EcoCare, we take a proven and eco-friendly approach to rodent and wildlife control and extermination, not only removing the infestation, but preventing future issues as well. We even partner with a sister construction company to perform larger, more technical cleanup and repairs.

Have questions about working with us? Visit our FAQ page to learn more. Or contact us. We’d be happy to hear from you, answer your questions, and help you take care of your rodent or wildlife issue.