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Across most of the United States, the fall season sees rats at their prime activity levels. As temperatures drop, rats become more active, spurred by the weather shift to seek shelter as winter approaches. During this time, their curiosity and energy peak, driving them to explore what your home and its surroundings might offer.

Scarecrows and lifelike animal decoys, such as snakes, owls, coyotes, foxes, and hawks, can initially deter rabbits. However, these tactics might lose effectiveness if rabbits learn they are harmless. Having your dog or cat roam and mark the yard with their scent can also prove beneficial. Keep in mind tactics like these work best when combined with other methods.

Some pest control treatments, such as spraying insecticides or bug bombs, can cause severe health problems for your household members if you are improperly exposed to them. That's why putting away pet toys, dishes, bedding, children's toys and items is essential. Pest technicians are trained to reduce risk, but it's best to take caution by avoiding the risk of items being accidentally sprayed. Discuss any concerns you may have with your pest control specialist.

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.