What’s the deal with rodents?

Rodents — especially common ones like house mice and Norway or roof rats — are more than just a nuisance. They:

• Spread disease and contaminate food — They may carry pathogens and spoil food by leaving droppings, urine, and hair. For example, NPMA highlights that rodents are capable of squeezing through tiny openings (the size of a dime for mice, a quarter for rats) and that they are associated with more than 35 diseases.

• Damage your property — They gnaw. Wires, insulation, wood, drywall — rodents can cause serious damage that can lead to fire hazards (chewed wiring) and costly repairs.

• Reproduce fast & invade readily — A small rodent problem today can become a major infestation quickly. Homes in our region have multiple potential entry points and milder winters, so rodents find it easier to survive and reproduce.

• Often go unnoticed until it’s serious — Because many rodent activities happen in dark, hidden places (attics, crawl spaces, behind walls), the problem may be well underway before you see the signs.

Common signs you might have a problem

Be on the lookout for:

• Droppings (mouse or rat size) along baseboards, in cupboards, behind kitchen appliances.

• Gnaw marks on wiring, insulation, wood, food packaging.

• Scratching, scurrying sounds — particularly at night or in attic/crawl-space areas.

• Nesting materials (shredded paper/cloth) in hidden corners, behind walls or in attics.

• Smudge marks (rodents leave oily rub‐marks when repeatedly using the same path).

• Gaps, cracks or holes in exterior walls, eaves, around plumbing, vents, or where cables enter.

• Pets acting oddly (e.g., focusing on a wall or ceiling where rodents are active).

What you can do right now: Prevention tips

As part of Rodent Awareness Week, here are actionable steps for homeowners in Riverside / San Diego:

1. Seal openings & entry points

• Inspect the exterior of your home: look for gaps around pipes, vents, eaves, foundation cracks.

• Use steel wool + caulk or metal flashing to seal holes; rodents can chew through soft materials.

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors, repair damaged screens, cover attic/crawlspace vents.

2. Eliminate food and water sources

• Store food (including pet food and bird seed) in airtight containers.

• Dispose of garbage regularly and keep outdoor trash bins sealed.

• Fix leaks and drip systems; rodents gravitate to moisture and can use irrigation/drip lines as pathways.

3. Clean up & maintain landscaping

• Trim shrubs, branches and vines away from the home exterior (they act as rodent pathways).

• Keep firewood and debris piles at least 20 ft from the home and elevated (if applicable).

• Clear clutter from attics/crawlspaces — less hiding/nesting space means fewer rodents.

4. Monitor & act early

• Set up monitoring or inspection routines: look for droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds.

• If you suspect rodent presence, don’t wait — early professional intervention can prevent a full infestation.

5. Work with a licensed pest-control professional

• DIY measures help, but rodents are crafty: they hide in walls, reproduce quickly and adapt. The NPMA/PPMA emphasize contacting a licensed pro for safe, effective results.

• Professionals can provide exclusion work (sealing the building), monitoring, trapping, baiting if needed, and follow-up services.

Call your local Black Knight Pest Control for a professional Rodent Inspection today.