What Are Signs of Rodents in My House? | Xcluder

It doesn’t take much for a rodent to make its way into your home. A gap the size of a dime is all it takes—and if they find food, water, or shelter inside, they’ll stick around. But how do you know if you have a rodent problem? The signs aren’t always obvious—at least not right away.

Here are some of the most common signs of mice and rats inside your home, and what to do if you spot them.

Common Signs You May Have Rodents

Rodent Droppings in Drawers, Cabinets, or Along Baseboards

One of the first things homeowners often notice is rodent droppings. These are small, dark, and pellet-shaped, and are often found in drawers, pantries, under sinks, or along walls and baseboards

What to look for:

• Fresh droppings are dark, moist, and soft
• Older droppings dry out and become hard and gray
• Clusters of droppings may indicate an active nest nearby

Gnaw Marks on Wood, Wires, or Food Packaging

Rodents have strong teeth that grow continuously, so they gnaw to keep them in check. You might notice chew marks on food containers, wooden furniture, cardboard boxes, or even electrical wiring—which can be a serious fire hazard.

Noises in the Walls or Ceiling—Especially at Night

Scratching, scurrying, or light tapping sounds coming from walls or ceilings—particularly at night—can indicate rodent activity. Mice and rats are nocturnal, so you’re more likely to hear them after dark when the house is quiet.

Shredded Paper or Fabric Nesting Materials

Rodents build nests out of soft, shredded materials like paper, fabric, insulation, or tissue. If you find a pile of these materials tucked into a quiet corner, drawer, or storage bin, there's a good chance you've found a nest. You’ll often see droppings nearby as well, which is a strong sign of active rodent activity. Use our Rodent fill fabric if you notice these issues.

Grease Marks or Smudges Along Walls

Mice and rats tend to travel along the same paths over and over, often hugging the walls for safety. Over time, the oils from their fur can leave smudges or dark marks along walls, baseboards, or corners.

Unusual Pet Behavior

If your dog or cat suddenly becomes fixated on a wall, vent, or cabinet—especially one they’ve ignored before—they may be hearing or smelling something you can’t. Pets often sense rodent activity before we do. But don’t assume your pet will take care of the problem. And truthfully, you wouldn’t want them to. Rodents can carry diseases and parasites that can make pets sick, including leptospirosis, salmonella, and various types of worms.

Musky or Ammonia-Like Odors

A strong, musky smell in enclosed areas like closets, attics, or cabinets could be a sign of a rodent infestation. The smell often comes from urine and is more noticeable in larger infestations.

What to Do If You See the Signs

If you notice signs of rodent activity in your home, don’t wait—the problem will only get worse (and potentially more expensive) over time. The first step is to remove any rodents that may already be inside, whether by setting traps yourself or calling a licensed pest control professional who can assess the situation and safely eliminate the issue.

Once the rodents are gone, it’s vital to make sure they don’t come back. That starts with identifying how they got inside in the first place. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, so inspect your home carefully for any gaps, cracks, or holes. Once you’ve found potential entry points, seal them using Xcluder® Fill Fabric, Rodent-Proof Door Sweeps, and Rodent-Proof Garage Door Seals—the same trusted exclusion products used by pest control professionals. These materials are designed to block access and help protect your home for the long term. Visit BuyXcluder.com to learn more, and stop rodents BEFORE they move in.