What are common signs of rodent activity?

Identifying common signs of rodent activity is essential for effective pest control and maintaining food safety. The presence of runways, tracks, and gnaw marks is a clear indication of rodent activity. Rodents often leave noticeable marks along their pathways due to their repeated movements in and out of their nests or food sources. These marks can include fur and footprints along the ground, as well as gnaw marks on various surfaces, indicating where they have been chewing to gain access to food or shelter.

In contrast, visible fur on furniture may not be a reliable sign alone, as it can be misattributed to a variety of animals and doesn't specifically indicate rodent activity. Presence of outdoor plants has little relevance to rodent diagnosis, as it does not directly suggest activity but rather pertains to the environment. Unusual food smells might hint at pest problems, but they are not specific to rodents and could arise from a variety of sources, making them an unreliable indicator of rodent presence. Thus, recognizing runways, tracks, and gnaw marks is the most definitive sign of rodent activity.