3 INDICATORS OF PEST INFESTATION

3.1.3 Tracks
Rat and mouse tracks indicate past or present rodent infestation. In dust or mud, the trail of the tail and the 4-toed front feet and the 5-toed rear feet can be seen. Sometimes a fine dusting of talc or wheat flour can be laid where rodent presence is suspected.

3.1.4 Burrows
Burrows are readily seen when terrestrial or fossorial rodents infest a premises. These are usually, but not necessarily, on the outside of the structure. Burrows are made by Norway rats, bandicoot rats, and sometimes, house mice. In general, roof rats, Polynesian rats, multimammate rats, and vesper mice will not make burrows. Burrows are indicated by the soil mounds at their entrances, by the burrow opening itself, and by runways connecting burrows.

3.1.5 Gnawings
All rodents gnaw—and gnawed materials in certain instances reveal their presence. The gnaw marks may be seen as actual tooth-marks, as small particles resulting from gnawing, or as round holes around pipes, under doors, through walls, into cloth bags, clothing, books, and cardboard boxes.

3.1.6 Nests
Nests are found indoors and outdoors in areas offering concealment and access to food sources. They may be found in attics, lofts, between walls, under wooden floors, and in burrows in or near farm structures. Nests are usually globular or cup-shaped, constructed of soft grasses, leaves and stems, and sometimes, of cloth or jute fibers from the household.

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