Signs of Rats

Have you found gnaw marks or come across small dark brown droppings? If so then you could potentially have a rat infestation – but don’t worry we're here to help. If you think you have a possible rat infestation please call us now on 0800 218 2210 to speak to our experts about our fast effective rat control treatments.

Rats are most active during the night therefore it is often easier to spot the signs of a rat infestation than the actual rat. Below we have explained some signs that could indicate that you have a potential rat problem. 

• Rat Droppings ↓ - Brown Rat droppings are dark brown in a tapered, spindle shape - like a grain of rice.
• Rub Marks ↓ - Grease and dirt on their bodies leaves smudges on surfaces.
• Gnaw Marks↓ - Black rats are agile climbers and often found in lofts. You might notice gnaw marks on wires, cabling or items stored in the loft .
• Rat Holes ↓ - Brown rats are well known for digging extensive burrow systems for shelter, food storage and nesting.
• Rat Nests ↓ - Rats will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items to make nests.
• Footprints ↓ - Rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of buildings.

If you have spotted any of the signs mentioned, we recommend acting quickly to ensure the potential infestation doesn’t spread any further.

• Lofts & attic spaces - look for shredded loft insulation, chewed items and rat droppings (rat poo) in corners and inside items like cardboard boxes.
• Kitchens & laundries - look behind appliances like cookers, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers. In fact, check any gaps where pipework or cables enter your property from outside.
• Out of sight areas - and possibly out of mind locations, such as crawlspaces, suspended ceilings and even cavity walls can be squeezed into by young rats.

Where around your home or business should you start checking for the external signs of rats, their nests and damage they can cause?

Rats are agile climbers, who can jump, gnaw and burrow so realistically you should check your property from 'top to bottom', and 'inside and out'. Here are some common places you might find evidence of a rat infestation:

• Decking - check the edges of decked areas for signs of damage from gnawing and burrowing. Under decking is an area rats often use to nest.
• Sheds - look for rat holes (entrances to burrows) around the edges of sheds and out buildings. Rats like to burrow next to solid structures like walls.
• Garages - check for gaps around door frames or holes gnawed at the bottom of wooden doors. If you have an integral garage check around the internal door as well, and any vents that could give entry into other internal areas.
• Compost bins - compost heaps attract rats because they are warm and contain food. Check lid and base of composters for holes and gnaw marks.
• Vegetation - look for rat holes among tree and shrub roots, in overgrown vegetation or nearby wasteland.
• Drains - check if drain covers are damaged or if there are holes dug next to the drain covers.

If you think you have rats, it is important to act quickly to control the level of infestation and reduce the health risks posed by these rodents. You can also take practical steps now to proof your home or business and help prevent rats.