Signs of rats

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.

Signs of rats in your house

Where do rats live inside?

• Lofts & attic spaces - Look for shredded loft insulation, chewed items and rat droppings in corners and inside items like cardboard boxes.
• Kitchens & laundry rooms - Look behind appliances like stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, as rats are drawn to the heat they produce. 
• Out of sight - Check crawlspaces, suspended ceilings, and even cavity walls. 

Where do rats live outside?

• ​​​​​​​Deck - Check the edges of decked areas for signs of damage from gnawing and burrowing.
• Sheds - Look for rat holes (entrances to burrows) around the edges of sheds.
• Garages - Check for gaps around door frames or holes gnawed at the bottom of wooden doors. If you have a garage, check around the internal door and any vents that could give entry into other internal areas.
• Garbage cans - Garbage cans attract rats because they are warm and contain food. Check the lid and base of the bins for holes and gnaw marks.
• Vegetation - Look for rat holes among tree and shrub roots in overgrown vegetation or nearby wasteland.
• Drains - Check if drain covers are damaged or if there are holes dug next to the drain covers.

Worried about rats?

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. Contact us today for a free inspection and we’ll take care of the rest.