Signs of a rat infestation
Noticing the early signs of a rat infestation can save you from expensive repairs and potential health issues.
Rats can cause extensive damage to your home if they are left untreated, which is why it’s important to hire a rat exterminator if you suspect rats. These pests can chew through wooden structures or insulation, leading to costly repairs. Rats can chew through electrical wires, which can cause electrical problems and create a serious fire hazard. They can contaminate stored food with urine, feces, and/or saliva.
If you suspect rats in or around your home, here are a few signs of rats in your home that you can look out for:
- Rat sightings: Whether it’s dead or alive, spotting a rat usually means there are likely more around.
- Droppings: Rat droppings can typically be found near their food sources or along their travel paths. They are small, dark brown, and pellet-shaped.
- Footprints: Rat footprints, pictured below, may be spotted in dusty or dirty areas of your home. You can typically spot distinct, dime-sized footprints in dusty areas of your home.
- Rub marks: Since rats have poor eyesight, they often rely on muscle memory or rub against walls or other surfaces to create a scent trail to follow. They often leave behind rub marks or grease.
- Nests: Rats build nests near their food source and are typically in hidden areas such as your attic, basement, under eaves, or crawl spaces.
- Gnaw marks: Rats have a constant need to chew and may leave gnaw marks on wires, wood, plastic, or food packaging.
Rats can breed very quickly, so it is important to call a professional rat exterminator at the first sign. At Ehrlich, our technicians use the latest tools and techniques to help you get rid of rats from your home or business. Our rat control experts will work with you to create a customized plan that meets your specific needs.