Have you heard scratching noises or come across small, dark brown droppings? If so, you could potentially have a rat infestation – but don’t worry, we're here to help. Rats are most active during the night, so it is often easier to spot the signs of a rat infestation than the actual rat. Below, we have explained the signs that could indicate that you have a potential rat problem.
If any of the signs mentioned apply to your property, we recommend acting quickly and scheduling an inspection with us to ensure the potential infestation doesn’t spread any further. Rats can carry diseases such as hantavirus and leptospirosis, which can pose health risks. Our rat control services can help remove rats from your home and reduce potential health risks caused by rodents.
Rats tend to hide during the day, which can make spotting them tricky. Instead, you’ll likely notice signs of rats before you see one. These telltale signs can include everything from noises in the walls to physical damage or rat droppings around your residential or commercial property. Below, we’ve broken down some of the common signs to help you figure out if you’re dealing with a rodent problem.
Rodent droppings tend to be found concentrated in specific locations, as rats produce up to 40 droppings per night. The feces can spread disease, so it’s important to dispose of them safely. Our technicians can help.
Rats have terrible eyesight, so they use established routes along skirting boards and walls to help with navigation. Grease and dirt on their bodies leave smudges, oily grease marks, and dark marks on the objects and surfaces they repeatedly brush up against.
Black rats are agile climbers, earning them their common name – the roof rat. Often found in attics, you may hear rat scratching noises at night. Brown rats can be identified by the grinding noise they make with their teeth. Squeaking noises can also indicate rats.
Rats often gnaw holes in baseboards, walls, or floors to move between nesting spots and food sources. These gaps show up near appliances, in corners, or behind furniture and are an early sign of rats in your home.
Rat nests can be found in lofts, attics, under eaves, and even in cavity walls. Rats will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard, and use this shredded paper and other soft items to make nests.
Rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of buildings. To establish if an infestation is active, sprinkle fine flour or talc in the area near the footprints and check for fresh tracks the next day.
Rats have strong teeth and constantly gnaw on hard surfaces to keep them from growing too long. Look for chewing damage on wood, plastic, and even soft metals. These marks may appear near entry points, along baseboards, or around pipes, and can be a sign of an active rodent infestation.
A strong, musky smell around hidden spaces like lofts, wall cavities, or behind appliances can point to rats. This rat odor often comes from urine, droppings, or dead rats, and tends to grow stronger as the infestation worsens. If you notice a persistent, unpleasant smell, it's a good idea to investigate further or call us for a pest control inspection.
Rat burrows are often found outside, but they can also appear near foundations or under decks. These tunnels lead to nests and often include multiple entry points. Burrows usually have smooth edges and may be near food sources or water sources, making them important signs of a rodent infestation. If you notice burrow holes, it’s a good idea to reach out to us for expert rodent control support.
Rats tend to stick to quiet, hidden areas where they can nest and find food. Here's where to look if you think rats may have made their way inside.
Rats often move between indoor and outdoor spaces. Checking around your property can help spot signs early before they make their way inside.
If you think you have rats, it is important to act quickly to control the level of infestation and reduce the health risks posed by these rodents. You can also take practical steps now to rat-proof your home or business and help prevent rats. We offer professional pest control services to help manage infestations and reduce risk. Our technicians are trained to reduce populations and prevent them from returning; it’s all part of our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Contact us today for a free inspection and we’ll take care of the rest.
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