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To determine if you have a rat or mouse infestation, look for several key differences. The most obvious is the size of the rodent: rats are significantly larger with thicker bodies, while mice are much smaller and more slender. You can also identify them by their droppings; rat droppings are larger and rounder, about the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are smaller, like a grain of rice, and often have pointed ends. Other signs include the sounds they make, as rats produce louder scratching and gnawing noises due to their size. Behaviorally, rats tend to be more cautious, whereas mice are more curious and might be seen more often. Additionally, rat nests are typically larger than those of mice. If you are unable to see the pest or find clear evidence, a professional inspection can provide a definitive identification.

You’ll want to locate all areas in your home that could be a potential entry point for mice, such as doors, windows, vents, baseboards, holes, and cracks in your home’s foundation. Don’t forget to check less-obvious areas like the attic, plumbing and sewers, and even the roof and gutters. If you check these spots and don’t find any signs of mice, consider hiring a pest control pro to dig deeper into potential hiding spots.

Even if you have extreme ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), don’t try to shoot or kill them with a shovel. Besides being pretty cruel, killing snakes in most states is illegal unless your life is at risk and many species are protected. 

Plus, you're putting yourself at greater risk using these techniques if it goes wrong and the now-angry snake is venomous.

While difficult, it’s possible to get rid of German cockroaches permanently. This type of roach removal takes long-term work, including sealing your home properly and fixing any moisture problems. It may also require new habits for cleaning and food storage. For worse infestations, a pest control professional can help you find ways to get rid of cockroaches for good.