Rodent problems are common in McKinney, Texas—especially near greenbelts, creeks, parks, construction zones, and established neighborhoods. Knowing whether you’re dealing with rats or mice helps ensure faster, more effective rodent control before damage escalates.

Behaviors Rats & Mice Share

• Mostly nocturnal: Activity is highest at night. Daytime sightings may signal overcrowding or food shortages.
• Constant gnawing: Rodents chew on wood, insulation, wiring, pipes, and plastic—posing fire and water damage risks.
• Established runways: They reuse the same paths between food, water, and nests, leaving smooth or smudged areas along walls.
• Scent marking: Urine marks travel routes and territory and glows blue-white under UV (black) light.

Mouse Behavior

(Common in McKinney homes, garages, and pantries)

• Naturally curious: Mice readily investigate new objects, traps, and bait.
• Quick, quiet movement: Often heard scurrying along baseboards and cabinets.
• Nearby nesting: Small nests are built close to food sources—in walls, attics, garages, and stored boxes.

Rat Behavior

(Roof rats are common in McKinney)

• Highly cautious: Rats are wary of new objects (neophobia); traps may need time before activation.
• Social colonies: They rely heavily on scent trails and group activity.
• Excellent climbers:
  • Access homes via trees, fences, power lines, and rooflines.
  • Frequently nest in attics, wall voids, and upper levels.
• Strong swimmers: In some cases, rats enter through drainage or sewer systems—especially near creeks and stormwater areas.

Signs of a Rodent Problem

• Droppings:
  • Mice: small, rice-sized
  • Rats: larger, capsule-shaped
  • Fresh droppings are dark and shiny; older ones appear dull or gray.
• Gnaw marks: On food packaging, wood, wiring, or plastic.
• Rub marks: Dark, greasy smudges along walls from oily fur.
• Runways: Smooth, worn paths along walls or behind stored items.
• Footprints: Tiny tracks in dust or soil; rats may leave a tail drag.

Why Rodent Activity Increases in McKinney

• New construction and development displace rodents
• Cooler weather drives rodents indoors
• Accessible food sources like pet food, bird seed, and unsecured trash
• Easy entry points around rooflines, garages, and foundations

Important Homeowner Tip

Bait stations alone do not eliminate rats or mice.
Effective rodent control in McKinney requires:

• Sealing entry points
• Reducing food and water sources
• Strategic trapping and monitoring
• Ongoing prevention to manage seasonal rodent pressure

How Home Run Pest & Termite Control Helps

At Home Run Pest & Termite Control, we provide professional rodent control tailored to McKinney and North Texas homes:
-  Thorough rodent inspections
-  Targeted trapping and monitoring
-  Entry-point identification and exclusion guidance
-  Safe, effective solutions for families and pets
-  Long-term prevention—not just quick fixes

We focus on honesty, education, and lasting results—because rodent problems don’t fix themselves.

Schedule Your Rodent Inspection

Call: 972-800-6354
Visit: https://homerunpest.com

Home Run Pest & Termite Control
We knock pests out of the park.