Rats living in the attic and walls can go unnoticed for years. Unlike mice which frequently enter the kitchen and pantry to find food, rats prefer to live in the structure of the home and go outside for food and water. A rat infestation can cause severe property damage and expose you and your loved ones to dangerous diseases. Here’s how to tell if you might have a rat problem.
How Do You Know If Rats Are in Your House?
Look out for the following seven signs that can indicate the presence of rats in your home. If you’re aware of an infestation, you can get rid of these unwanted guests quickly.
1. Rodent Droppings
One of the prominent signs of an infestation is rat droppings. You’ll likely find droppings in hidden areas like the attic, crawlspace, or garage. Finding droppings in cupboards and drawers, under sinks and near food packages is likely mice or a sign of a severe rat infestation. There are usually more droppings closer to entry points, nesting areas, or other hgih traffic areas. If you find a lot of droppings in one spot, inspect the area for a nest or food source.
2. Foul Odors
What does a rat infestation smell like? With large infestations, you might notice a stale ammonia smell due to rat urine. Some people liken the ammonia smell of rat urine to that of a baby’s diaper. This smell is usually not noticeable, though, if you only have a few rats in your home. The smell may be more prevelant in the attic or crawlspace.
3. Rodent Runways
Rats run along the same runways and use these paths over and over to get from one location to the next, leaving footprints, urine stains, droppings and smudge stains along the way. To locate a rat runway, sprinkle a light layer of baby powder or flour in an area and look for any footprints in the powder.
4. Nesting Areas
If you find a pile of materials such as pieces of fabric, shredded paper and dried plant matter, you might have found a rat nesting area. There could be gnaw marks on the material and a cluster of rat droppings. Rat nests are usually in secluded areas in the attic, crawlspace, or garage.
5. Strange Pet Behavior
Your cat or dog will likely notice an infestation before you do. With their keen sense of smell and heightened hearing, they’ll be aware of the activities of invaders. If your pet engages in odd behavior like continuous barking or has a keen interest in a particular area, investigate the spot for signs of rats.
6. Gnaw Marks and Other Property Damage
Rats easily chew through drywall, insulation, wires and other materials as they move around a structure. Holes in your walls and bite marks on items like food packaging are strong indications of an infestation.
The size of gnaw marks can help you determine what type of animal infestation you’re dealing with. The larger the marks, the larger the animal.
7. Scratching and Squeaking Noises
You might hear rats scurrying about in the attic, walls, or crawlspace at night. You might also hear a muffled squeaking sound once in a while. Squeaking is most commonly associated with mating or fighting.
Deal With a Rat Infestation Quickly
If you see any signs of rats in your home, deal with the problem promptly. Rat colonies grow quickly and can cause severe property damage. Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal can help you tackle the issue head-on as we employ educated wildlife biologists who apply their knowledge and custom strategies to address a rat infestation. We offer trapping and removal services and rat extermination and repairs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.