Rodents in your walls? Probably not the roommates you signed up for.
From the unsettling scurrying sounds at night to the not-so-pleasant smells, rodents can turn your peaceful home into an all-out horror show. But don’t just grab the first trap you find—getting rid of these unwelcome guests involves more than quick fixes and snap traps.
The good news? You’re not alone, and there’s plenty you can do to reclaim your space.
The better news? We at Martin Exterminating are pros at handling exactly this kind of situation. Whether it’s mice, rats, or anything in-between making themselves too cozy, this guide will walk you through some steps to kick those critters to the curb—for good.
How to Tell if There Are Rodents in the Walls
Before you go full-on armageddon on the rats or mice you suspect might be living in your walls, you need to confirm that rodents are, indeed, living in your walls. After all, that strange noise might just be the house settling.
Here are some telltale signs that you have rodents in the wall:
- Scratching and Scurrying Sounds: Rodents tend to be night owls, so listen for movement after the sun goes down.
- Droppings or Urine Trails: This is gross but true—rodents leave behind plenty of “evidence” in the form of droppings or urine.
- Chew Marks: Keep an eye out for gnawed wires, wood, or insulation around your home.
- Odd Smells: A dank, musky smell is often a dead giveaway that rodents have moved in.
Once you’re sure it’s rodents you’re dealing with, it’s time to take action.
DIY Steps to Get Rid of Rodents in the Walls
Before you start taking steps to get rid of the mice or rats now calling your home their own, it may be helpful to understand what attracts them there in the first place.
Believe it or not, your walls are basically a rodent’s dreamhouse. They’re warm, protective, and typically free from predators. These four-legged freeloaders are experts at squeezing into tight spaces—holes as small as a dime for mice and a quarter for rats.
Once inside, they’ll build nests, have babies, and feast on whatever food they can scrounge nearby. To make your home less attractive to them, a key step is to seal up entry points and avoid leaving food out in the open. Prevention is a huge part of fighting back!
Here’s where to start:
1. Identify Entry Points
Start by inspecting your home’s exterior for any possible openings. Check around windows, doors, vents, and anywhere pipes or wires enter the house. Once you’ve found their access points, seal them up with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.
2. Use Traps and Baits Strategically
Set traps in areas where you notice rodent activity. Peanut butter works like a charm as bait and it’s a classic for a reason—it’s irresistible to rodents and sticks nicely to the trap.
3. Avoid Overusing Poison
Avoid poison if possible—it can lead to dead rodents decomposing inside your walls, which can cause odors and attract other pests.
And if you must go the poison route, be cautious—it comes with certain risks. Dead rodents hidden in inaccessible areas can lead to bigger problems. Traps are usually cleaner and more effective.
4. Keep Your Home Clean
Rodents love easy access to food, so keep things tidy. Clean up crumbs, store dry goods in sealed containers, and take out the trash regularly. A neat home takes the fun out of rodent scavenger hunts.
If you’ve tried these steps and you’re still hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet, it’s time to call in reinforcements.
Why Professional Help Might Be Your Best Bet
Rodents can be surprisingly crafty. If they’ve already entrenched themselves in your walls, getting them all out can be tricky—and that’s where we come in.
Our team at Martin Exterminating specializes in tackling rodent infestations of all sizes. We’ll not only kick your unwanted guests out but also make sure they stay out.
As the area’s go-to rodent exterminator, our process includes locating all entry points, humanely trapping or exterminating the rodents, and providing tips to keep your home rodent-free moving forward.
We proudly serve homeowners across northeast North Carolina, southeast Virginia, and the Sarasota, Florida area. Got a rodent emergency? We’re here to help.
Keeping Rodents Out for the Long Run
Once you have your home back to normal, keeping it that way should be a top priority. Rodents are persistent little critters, so you’ll want to take extra steps to make sure they don’t come back.
- Seal New Entry Points: You’d be surprised how good rodents are at finding new ways in. Make it a habit to inspect your home regularly for cracks or holes.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overhanging branches and dense shrubs create perfect rodent highways, so keep them trimmed!
- Secure Your Food Supply: Even small crumbs can be a feast in rodent terms. Sealed containers are your best friend.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: If you really want peace of mind, regular pest control check-ups can stop infestations before they even start.
When in doubt, just give us a call. As rodent exterminators, we specialize in removing these pests, but can also help by giving you some advice on preventative measures.
Your Rodent-Free Home Awaits
Dealing with rodents in your walls isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but the faster you act, the easier it is to take back control. Tackle the problem head-on with a combination of DIY efforts and professional expertise, and your home will soon be the calm, cozy sanctuary it’s meant to be.
If rodents are running rampant through your walls, don’t wait—call us at Martin Exterminating today. We’ll help banish those uninvited guests for good and provide everything you need to keep your home pest-free.
Your home deserves to be yours again. Get in touch with us now and take the first step toward a cleaner, quieter, and most importantly, rodent-free life.