Rodent Control: Signs of a Rat Infestation

The presence of rats can cause real problems such as health risks and damage to property and the first step of any campaign to control them and reduce these risks is by identifying the presence of an infestation in the first place. They can access areas seemingly inaccessible by humans via tiny cracks and crevices so spotting them may not be as straight forward as it seems.

In this post, we will explore some common signs rats leave if they are present on your property. Steps can then be taken to eradicate them, such as using traps or repellers. If you are ever unsure on the best course of action, always contact a professional pest controller who can guide you in the right direction.

Spotting a Rat

Although this may seem the most obvious sign of an infestation, it may not be the most common. Rats will rarely travel out in the open and nest in secluded, sheltered areas that are not frequented by humans. They will also search for food using travel routes such as overgrown vegetation to avoid detection. However, as winter comes in, vegetation dies back and food becomes scarce, their travel routes may become more exposed and they will be more likely to venture nearer areas frequented by humans to collect food (such as in waste bins). When this time comes, there is a chance you will be able to spot them scurrying about your property. 

Carcasses of dead rats can also be a sign of a nearby infestation. You may see the remains of a rat that has been hunted by a predator such as an owl or if they have been poisoned via the use of rodenticides.

Excrement

Another common sign that rats are present on your property is the presence of droppings and urine stains. Their droppings are normally dark, pellet shaped lumps found near a nest, where they feed or on a travel route between these two areas.

They will also urinate in these areas, leaving a distinct mark that produces a smell of ammonia. Of course, the number of droppings you find or the strength of the smell can be an indication of the size of the infestation.

Materials Used for Nesting 

Finding materials that can be used for nesting scattered about can be an indication of an infestation. Materials such as cardboard, paper and organic matter can be favourites for rats and, when found, can sometimes be mistaken for rubbish that has not been disposed of correctly.

Check for signs of biting marks on the materials or tears that appear unnatural which could confirm they are the result of rodent activity. 

Marks from Rats ‘Gnawing’

Rats have a natural urge to ‘gnaw’ on objects to maintain their oral hygiene. They’ll happily gnaw on most objects, so nothing is safe from being chewed on. Therefore, it’s important to check thoroughly, especially in areas where there is critical infrastructure such as pipes or wires that provide utilities to your home, or on structural objects such as pillars.

As well as gnawing for their oral health, they’ll also chew through objects to gain access to nesting sites or food. Therefore, you should look out for bite marks on any food packaging as well as at potential entry points into buildings.

Tracks

Although they can be difficult to spot directly, rats are not particularly adept at covering their tracks. They will often leave signs of activity such as hairs or footprints where they have travelled.

Another key sign they leave behind is greasy marks where their fur has rubbed against an object such as a wall. Their fur is naturally greasy and often dirty (no surprise there) and as they tend to use the same, sheltered travel routes where possible, greasy marks can be an easy sign to spot where they’ve travelled repeatedly. If found, these can also be a great place to lay some traps.

Pets Behaving Unusually

Pets such as cats and dogs have much better senses of smell than us. If you have one, and they start acting up a bit, such as becoming restless or fixating on specific areas of your property, they may have lost their favourite toy in that area, or they may have spotted the presence of rats, so it is always a good idea to check for some of the above signs.

Unusual Sounds

Another sign of an infestation could be the presence of unusual sounds. These can include squeaking, the sound of them gnawing on objects, the pitter patter of feet along floorboards or rustling in vegetation in your garden.

Rats will often only venture out at night, so hearing these sounds can be easier than if they were out during the day, however it can cause a problem when trying to get a good night’s sleep!

Conclusion

Although they are naturally shy and elusive creatures, rats will leave signs if they visit your property. Physically seeing them is possible, however more likely signs will be droppings, grease stains, tracks and unusual sounds. If you stay vigilant, you will be able to spot them.

If you do find evidence of an infestation, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible. Rats are prolific breeders so getting on top of the problem at the earliest opportunity can help to ensure the problem doesn’t spiral.

At The Pest Collective, we supply a range of products that can be used to get rid of these unwanted visitors such as rat poison, rat traps and bait boxes. If you are ever unsure about the best course of action, always contact a professional pest controller who can guide you in the right direction. It’s also important to always follow appropriate laws, regulations, health and safety guidelines and the manufacturer’s instructions.