Rats are rarely seen in daylight, so the signs they leave behind are usually the first clue. Here is what to look for.
Rats are mostly active at night and are wary of people, so you can have a rat problem for some time before you see one. These are the signs to look for.
1. Droppings
Rat droppings are dark, shaped like a large grain of rice and usually 1 to 2 cm long. Fresh droppings are moist and shiny.
2. Noises at night
Scratching, scurrying or gnawing sounds in lofts, walls and under floors, especially in the evening.
3. Gnaw marks
Rats gnaw constantly to keep their teeth in check. Look for chewed wood, plastic pipes, cables and food packaging.
4. Burrows
Holes of around 6 to 9 cm wide in the garden, especially beside sheds, decking, compost heaps and walls.
5. Smear marks
Greasy dark marks along walls and skirting boards where rats repeatedly brush against surfaces.
6. Runs and footprints
Flattened tracks through grass, or footprints and tail marks in dusty areas such as garages and lofts.
7. Unusual pet behaviour
Dogs and cats may become very interested in a particular wall, cupboard or area of the garden.
What to do next
Do not ignore the signs. Rats breed quickly and can cause expensive damage. Call us for a quotation or request an inspection online, and we will find out where they are coming from.