How Do I Know If I Have a Rat Infestation?

Grease Smudges

As rats travel along surfaces, they often leave behind greasy streaks caused by the oil on their fur. Look for greasy marks on walls and baseboards, especially in areas near food sources. Grease marks are not only unsightly, but they can also be an indicator of an active infestation. Rats tend to follow the same paths repeatedly, so the presence of multiple marks indicates a higher level of activity.

It’s important to note that grease marks are not just limited to rats. Other rodents, such as mice and squirrels, can also leave behind similar marks. However, if you see larger marks, it’s more likely to be evidence of a rat infestation. Additionally, if you notice tail marks or footprints alongside the greasy marks, this is another sign of rats.

Nibbled Food

Rats are notorious for eating just about anything, including pet food and dry foods. Check your pantry and cabinets for signs of nibbled food. Dispose of any damaged goods immediately. Any damage to food packaging can provide a gateway for bacteria, pests, or other harmful contaminants to enter and compromise the integrity of the food product.

Unfortunately, pet food is one of the biggest draws for rats. It’s essential to store pet food in a sealed container, preferably made of metal or glass, as rats and other rodents can easily chew through plastic or paper packaging. If possible, store pet food in a pantry or cupboard to keep it out of sight and smell range of these pesky critters.

It’s not just the pet food itself that can be a problem, but the crumbs and spills that come along with feeding our furry friends. Clean up any spilled pet food or crumbs immediately and dispose of them in a covered trashcan. Additionally, sweep or vacuum up any pet hair or debris left behind after mealtime.

In addition to attracting rats, pet food left out can also attract other pests, such as ants and cockroaches. These pests can contaminate the food and pose a risk to your and your pets’ health.

Urine Stains and Odors

Urine stains are often a telltale sign of a rodent infestation, particularly one caused by rats. These stains are caused by the urine that rats produce as they travel across the surfaces in your home or business. While these stains can be unsightly and emit a musky odor, they can also pose a health risk to anyone who comes into contact with them.

The appearance of urine stains varies depending on where they are found. On carpeted surfaces, the stains are often yellow or brown and tend to be concentrated in areas where rats enter or exit a room. On hard surfaces, such as tile or hardwood floors, the stains can be more challenging to spot, often appearing as slightly darker patches or discoloration on the surface.

Aside from their appearance, urine stains can also indicate electrical damage or potentially devastating structural problems. Rat urine is highly acidic and can corrode electrical wires, posing a risk of an electrical fire in your home or business. Moreover, if the rat infestation is active for a prolonged period, the urine stains can seep into walls and floorboards, causing rot and decay that can weaken the structural integrity of your property.

Urine stains are most commonly found near a rat nest, food sources, or on the path rats often take when they forage. Rats prefer to urinate on surfaces they frequently cross, so urine stains usually indicate rat activity. If you find urine stains in your home or business, you must take immediate action to identify and eliminate rodent infestation. Failing to do so can lead to a potential health hazard, as well as costly repairs down the line.

Scratching Noises 

If you hear scratching noises in the walls, ceilings, or floors of your home or business, there’s a good chance you have a rat infestation. Rats are active at night, so you’re more likely to hear them then. If you suspect that rodents may be the cause of the sounds, there are a few signs to look out for. Rat droppings are often found near their nesting sites, so checking for them is essential. You may also notice small holes or entry points around your walls or ceiling where rodents have entered.

In addition to rodents, other pests like squirrels, raccoons, and birds can also cause sounds in your walls or ceiling. Squirrels and raccoons may try to enter your home through the roof or attic, and birds may take up residence in your walls.

No matter the cause of the noise, it’s crucial to take action as soon as possible. Pests can not only cause damage to your home but also pose health risks to you and your family. They can also attract other pests, making the problem even worse.

Nests and Burrows

Rats will often build nests in secluded areas of buildings, such as attics and crawl spaces. These small creatures need a place to call home, and they will create elaborate systems of tunnels and nests to do so. As a homeowner or business owner, it’s important to watch for these signs to prevent a full-blown infestation.

Rats can create a nest out of almost anything they can find, from paper and cardboard to insulation and fabric. These nests are often found in attics, walls, basements, and other dark and secluded spaces. If you notice shredded paper or cloth around your property, this could be a sign of a rat nest.

Burrows, on the other hand, are tunnels that rats dig in the ground or under structures. While not all burrows necessarily lead to a rat nest, they are still signs of an active infestation. Burrows can be found in yards, gardens, and other outdoor spaces.

It’s important to note that rats are not the only creatures that create nests and burrows. Other rodents, such as mice and squirrels, also create nesting areas. However, if you notice larger nests or burrows with signs of rat activity, it’s important to take action.

One of the best ways to prevent a rat infestation is to eliminate their nesting areas. This may mean sealing off entry points to your home or business, removing piles of debris from your yard, and properly storing food sources. Taking these steps can make your property less attractive to rats. 

Seeing Rats (Eek!)

When it comes to rat infestations, one of the most obvious signs is actually seeing the rats themselves. Rats are primarily active at night, so if you do spot one during the day, it may be a sign of a more significant infestation. Keep an eye out for rats scurrying across the floor, along walls, or even up trees or buildings.

Rats are relatively large and have distinct features, making them easily recognizable. They have long, pointed faces, small ears, and a thick, scaly tail. Their fur is usually brown or black, and they can grow up to 9 inches long, not including their tail. Chances are good that if you see one rat, others are lurking nearby. 

Taking Action 

When it comes to pest control, rats are one of the worst culprits. They can cause significant damage to your property, contaminate your food supply, and spread disease. Unfortunately, rat infestations are quite common, and many homeowners struggle to deal with them on their own. If you suspect that you have a rat infestation, it’s important to call in one of our trained Truly Nolen pest professionals as soon as possible.

The longer you wait, the worse the infestation can become. Even if you only suspect a rat infestation, it’s best to call a Truly Nolen technician to assess the situation. They can determine the severity of the infestation, locate any rat nests, and identify any potential entry points where rats may have gained access to your home.

Our pros use a variety of techniques to treat rat infestations. These may include baiting or trapping rats, sealing up entry points to prevent further infestations, and advising on how to prevent future infestations from occurring. Our technicians may also use techniques like fumigation or exclusion to eliminate rats from your property.

In some cases, DIY pest control methods may be effective for dealing with small rat infestations. However, larger infestations require the expertise of a pest professional. Attempting to deal with a large infestation on your own can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your property.

When it comes to eliminating rats, don’t delay. Call your local Truly Nolen pest professional to assess the situation and get rid of these pesky rodents once and for all. With expertise and experience, they can restore your peace of mind and protect your home and family from the dangers of rat infestations.