Rodents don’t always make their presence known—at least not right away. By the time you notice them, they may have already caused damage behind walls, in attics, or under floors. Mice and other rodents can chew through insulation, wires, and structural materials, putting your home at risk of fire, contamination, and costly repairs.

Recognizing the early signs of a rodent infestation can help you take action before the problem escalates. This guide covers the most common indicators that mice or other rodents may have moved into your home, and why calling a pest control service company sooner rather than later is the smart move.

Droppings Are One of the First Clear Indicators

Small, dark droppings are among the most common signs of a mouse infestation. You’ll most likely find them along baseboards, inside cabinets, under sinks, or near food sources. Fresh droppings are soft and moist, while older ones appear dry and crumbly.

If droppings are consistently found in the same areas, it means rodents are returning regularly and likely nesting nearby. Because mice reproduce quickly, early detection is critical. A few droppings today can turn into a full rodent infestation within weeks.

Gnaw Marks on Wood, Plastic, or Wiring Are a Serious Warning

Mice and rats constantly chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. This leads them to gnaw on baseboards, cardboard, wiring, insulation, and even PVC pipes. These marks are often a reliable indicator that rodents are inside your home.

Pay close attention to:

• Wiring: Frayed or exposed wires, especially in attics or near appliances
• Baseboards & Doors: Rough edges or chew marks around corners
• Stored Items: Torn boxes, shredded bags, or bitten-through plastic containers

Rodents that chew wires pose a fire hazard. If you see these signs, a professional pest control company should be contacted immediately to inspect and treat the affected areas.

Scratching or Movement Noises Behind Walls & Ceilings

Hearing movement behind walls or ceilings is often one of the first signs homeowners report. Mice are most active at night, meaning you’ll likely hear scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds during quiet hours.

These noises may come from inside:

• Wall Cavities: Especially near kitchens, basements, or attics
• Ceiling Voids: Between floors or roof structures
• Vents & Ducts: Where rodents can travel freely through the home

While occasional creaks are normal in any house, consistent scratching or nighttime activity likely indicates a rodent infestation.

Nesting Materials Found in Storage or Hidden Areas

Rodents build nests out of whatever materials are available. Shredded paper, insulation, fabric, and even plastic can all be used to construct warm, hidden spaces for raising offspring.

Check for signs of nesting in:

• Garages & Basements: Especially near stored boxes or unused furniture
• Attics & Crawl Spaces: Where insulation and warmth are plentiful
• Inside Drawers or Cabinets: Particularly those not often opened

Discovering a nest means that mice or rats have already established a foothold in your home. Their population can grow rapidly if the nest is active, making it critical to contact pest control services as soon as it’s discovered.

Grease Trails & Dirty Smudge Marks Along Common Paths

As rodents travel through walls and small openings, their fur leaves behind oily residue and dirt. Over time, this buildup creates visible trails or smudges near baseboards, pipes, or structural framing.

You might notice:

• Dark Streaks: Along walls or floor edges
• Grease Marks: Around small holes or entry points
• Footprints or Tail Drags: In dusty or undisturbed areas

These trails often mark frequently used rodent routes. The more smudges you see, the more active the infestation is likely to be.

How to Tell Which Rodent Is Infesting Your Property

Different rodents leave behind different types of damage. Identifying the species helps determine how they’re getting in and how to get them out. 

Here are six common rodents Creature Control handles in Michigan, along with the unique signs they leave behind:

• Beavers: Typically found near water, beavers can cause property damage by gnawing trees and altering drainage. Look for felled trees, muddy dams, or water pooling near creeks or ponds.
• Groundhogs (Woodchucks): Known for burrowing under sheds, porches, and decks. Large dirt mounds and wide tunnel entrances near structures or gardens are key indicators.
• Mice: Small droppings, chewed food containers, and nighttime scratching sounds are all signs of a mouse infestation, especially in kitchens, basements, and attics.
• Moles: Often active in yards rather than inside the home. Look for raised tunnels across lawns, surface ridges, and soft or collapsed soil near garden beds or walkways.
• Muskrats: Common near rivers, lakes, or ponds. Evidence includes burrows in embankments, floating vegetation nests, and chewed aquatic plants.
• Squirrels: Active during the day, squirrels often enter through roof gaps. Common signs include scattered insulation, leaf nests in attics, and gnawed entry points around vents or soffits.

Correctly identifying the rodent allows for targeted trapping, exclusion, and long-term prevention. Creature Control’s inspections can determine the exact pest and provide a customized solution based on the type of infestation.

Don’t Wait—Rodent Problems Get Worse Over Time

Rodents won’t go away on their own. Once inside, they breed quickly, contaminate food sources, and damage the structure of your home. If any of these signs are present—droppings, gnaw marks, strange noises, nests, or smudge trails—there’s a high chance your home already has a rodent infestation.

Calling trained pest control professionals is the most effective way to eliminate the problem and stop future intrusions. Attempting to trap or block off access without addressing the nest rarely resolves the issue.

Get Mice & Rodents Out With Creature Control in Michigan

A mouse infestation can spread quickly, damaging your home and risking your health. Creature Control offers proven rodent infestation removal services throughout Michigan. 

Our team inspects every area of concern, locates entry points, and uses safe, targeted strategies to eliminate mice and other rodents at the source. With expert exclusion techniques and long-term prevention methods, we keep rodents out for good.

If you’ve noticed signs of a rodent infestation or want a complete home inspection, contact Creature Control online or by calling 1-800-441-1519. Let us help you protect your home with professional pest control services that work.