What does the presence of dark rub marks along walls typically indicate?

The presence of dark rub marks along walls typically indicates a route of frequent rodent travel. Rodents, such as rats and mice, tend to follow the same paths along walls and baseboards, which leads to the accumulation of dirt, oil, and debris from their fur and skin. This consistent contact can leave behind noticeable dark marks or smudges on painted or unpainted surfaces.

In contrast, marks associated with food storage would generally appear in areas where food is kept, and they would not specifically trace a path along walls. A new paint job would likely result in clean, uniform appearances without such marks. Normal wear and tear can cause scuffs or scratches but is usually less uniform and not as distinctly located along routes. Therefore, the identification of dark rub marks is a key indicator of rodent activity in a given area.