Have you ever heard the phrase ‘the more the merrier’? That won’t apply if you’re talking about rats in your home.
Don’t ignore the little signs. There’s a good chance you have unwelcome furry visitors before you realize it.
Rats are dangerous and disease-ridden. All experts agree — sooner is better than later when dealing with a rat infestation.
Do you see little stains or spots? You may need to check those out further.
Check out our complete guide on warning signs of rats in your home. Learn how to prevent rats in your home, then look for their characteristics.
1. Trails and Tracks
Rats are one of the most common pests found in homes due to the ready availability of food and shelter. To detect the presence of rats in your home, look for physical evidence in the form of trails and tracks. Rats make a distinctive trail of shredded paper, cardboard, insulation, and other materials as they move around.
You may also notice rat droppings or tracks along walls or other surfaces. It could be rats if you hear strange scratching or thumping noises in your walls or attic.
Additionally, if you catch the rat itself or observe its tail, you know you have a rat infestation in your home. It is important to take action quickly if you notice these warning signs, as rat activity can significantly damage your home and health.
2. Gnaw Marks
Rats must constantly gnaw on surfaces to wear down their rapidly growing teeth. Thus, holes like a rodent have shaved often indicate that rats are present. Additionally, rat gnaws marks are bigger than other household pests, such as mice.
Rat gnaw marks left behind coarse or rough edges near the hole that appear to have been caused by their teeth marks. Inspecting wood, plastic, and metal surfaces for possible gnaw marks is important.
Additionally, look out for droppings, strange noises, or odors that can occur in an area where rats reside. Gnaw marks may not always be a definitive sign of rats; however, it’s a good indication to look into other possible symptoms.
3. Holes or Nibble Marks
Rats may gnaw on walls, floors, wooden beams, furniture, electrical wiring, and insulation. You may notice rat droppings, which are dark and shaped like small cylinders, in areas where they are living or frequenting. You may also see grease marks along baseboards, as rats have oily fur that leaves a trail.
You can identify rat entry and exit points, such as in a door or window frame or any small area that indicates gnaw marks. Additionally, there may be an unpleasant musky odor in a room with an active rat infestation, as they frequently mark their territory with urine. If you notice any of these signs, it is wise to contact a professional for assistance.
4. Smudge Marks
Seeing smudge marks is a potential indicator of rats in the home. These marks are left behind as the rats use their bodies to slither, and often, they like to move along walls that are dark in color. Seeing mud tracks can be a sign that there is an infestation of rats in the house, especially if the marks are nearby gaps or openings larger than a quarter of an inch.
The droppings can also be telltale signs. Rat droppings often stick together and can be found in bunches near the walls, in dark corners, or in any spot where food is present. When you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to contact a professional to rid your home of these pesky mice.
5. Nests and Burrows
Nests and burrows are the most common signs of rats in your home. Rats typically burrow near the outside of your home, often around the foundation, but may also burrow in attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
The caves are typically shallow and measure up to eight inches, with the entrance being two to four inches in diameter. Inside the burrow is the nest, which may be made of insulation lining, shredded paper, or fabrics. You may also find droppings around the home, indicating a rat problem.
Droppings tend to be oval-shaped with rounded edges, although size and shape may vary. Lastly, scratching noises from the walls or ceiling may indicate rats living in your insulation or other areas of your home. Be sure to contact a professional pest control service if you detect any warning signs to ensure they do not continue to infest your home.
6. Droppings
Rat droppings are usually about a quarter of an inch in size, with pointed ends and ranging in color from black to brown. Rat droppings can generally be found in attics, basements, bedrooms, under appliances, and cupboards.
In addition to being surprised by a sudden sighting of rat droppings in your home, other signs you look for include a lingering, musky odor caused by the creature’s secretions, along with gnaw marks on food containers, electrical wires, or wooden beams.
If you find these signs, immediately mitigate a possible infestation, as rats can spread harmful diseases, cause structural and item damage, and create an unsafe living space.
7. Squeaks and Noises
Squeaks and noises are the most common signs of rats and other rodents. Mice and rats can produce high-pitched squeaks and chirps, while larger rats make more of a gnawing or scratching sound. As the rodents travel throughout your home, You may hear thumping, hurrying, and running sounds from attics, walls, or basements.
Furthermore, rats and mice can make squeaking sounds as they chew on wood, plaster, or electrical wiring. If you hear these noises in your home, it’s important to quickly identify the source, trap or eliminate the rodent, and perform any necessary repairs to prevent re-infestation. To get rid of rats, check this rodent control if you believe you need help.
Understanding the Signs of Rats
Your home should be safe, and knowing the warning signs of rats is important. If you suspect you may have a rat problem in your home, promptly contact a professional pest control company for appropriate action to eliminate rats from your home. Don’t take the risk – take action today!
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