5 Tell-Tale Signs You Have a Rat Infestation

5 Tell-Tale Signs You Have a Rat Infestation

Do you hear scurrying little paws or see gnaw marks that weren’t there before? This may mean you have some uninvited guests in your home

But don’t fret, in today’s article, we’ll be going through tell-tale signs that you have a rat infestation in your home. 

Time to put your detective hat on and learn to identify the signs of rat problems. 

Foul Odor

The stench is usually one of the first things homeowners notice when there’s an active rat infestation in their home. This is because their urine has a strong and pungent scent. 

If you have a cat or dog, they’re likely to become intrigued by this new smell. If you see them interested or scratching at a place they used to ignore, you may have a clue to where your unwanted guests may be staying.

Droppings

Droppings are a very obvious sign of a rat infestation that needs immediate attention. They may be hard to miss, though, since they’re as tiny as a grain of rice.

While fresh droppings are dark and moist, older ones will turn gray over time. They’ll also begin to crack as they become more fragile.

These are very dangerous and are even considered a safety hazard. This is because they carry a ton of diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and more. 

If you find an area with lots of droppings, it might mean you’re close to their hiding place. Keep an eye out for droppings in your countertops, cabinets, floors, attics, and sheds.

Tracks 

Just like humans, rats also leave little prints behind. As they frequent a trail, you or your pet may be able to hear them scurrying the same place repeatedly. 

To make their tracks easier to see, you can sprinkle some powder or flour on the ground. As they pass by, you’ll be able to see their paw prints easily as they step on the powder.

Gnawing Marks 

While droppings get lighter over time, gnaw marks get darker as they age. However, if rats frequently gnaw on the same place it’ll remain light, but keep an eye out if the marks get bigger.

You can spot gnaw marks on furniture, walls, blinds, doors, and even wires. Don’t forget to check your cupboards to see if they’ve gotten to your food’s packaging, too.

They may be small but their teeth and claws can rip open plastic containers with ease. If you see torn-up packages, don’t even think about salvaging the food and just throw it away properly.

Rub Marks

Though they are exceptional at breaking and entering, we can’t say the same for their eyesight. They’re nocturnal because they generally have poor eyesight and are colorblind. 

Hence, they often brush against skirting boards and walls. The grease and dirt on their fur often leave marks and discoloration. 

If you find these marks near droppings or gnaw marks, you may be close to finding their hideout. 


And that ends our list of tell-tale signs you have a rat infestation in your home. If you do find some unwanted guests, call trusty ‘ole pest control right away to get the job done. 

Say, if you’re on the hunt for some cleaning services we have some recommendations for you to check out here: