Rats can infect humans with over 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread through direct contact with urine, saliva, feces, or rodent bites.
Disease from rodents can also spread to humans through fleas, mites, or other insects that have fed on an infected rodent.
When the cold hits, rats and mice make their way into homes for warmth. Rats can get into any space that’s the size of a quarter. Once they’re in, it only takes 3 weeks for them to breed.
Are you worried that you might have a rat infestation?
Keep reading for 5 signs that you might have a rodent problem and what to do to stop it.
1. Rat Droppings
Rodent droppings are one of the telltale signs of a rat infestation in a home. Fresh rat droppings are dark in colour and moist. Typically, they’re dark brown and spindle-shaped.
They look like large rice grains.
As they dry out, they become grey and crumbly to the touch.
They’re commonly found in cupboards, drawers, corners, under sinks, and near food packages. The highest concentration of rat droppings exists wherever the rats are feeding or nesting.
2. A Bad Smell
Many rat pest control professionals can determine whether or not there’s a rat infestation by smell alone. A rat-infested house will present a bad odor, especially in more rat-infested areas.
If you have a dog or cat and notice it becoming more excited around areas where you’ve found rodent droppings, it’s because they can smell the rodents’ odour. Get a flashlight and take a closer look each time your pet indicates there might be evidence of rodent presence.
If you keep finding droppings in a specific area, like underneath the kitchen sink, you’ll probably begin to notice a stale smell.
3. Gnaw Marks
Gnaw marks on food packaging, or the structure of your home are common indicators that it’s time to call rat control.
Fresh gnaw marks are lighter in colour. As they age, they become darker. If you find gnaw marks and they’re lighter in colour, it probably means you have an active infestation.
4. Tracks and Runways
Rat tracks and runways are distinctive. They’re easy to find using a flashlight. If you look closely at suspected areas, you’ll see footprints, urine stains, droppings, or smudge marks.
If you think you’ve identified an area of travel for the rats in your home, put down a thin layer of flour. If rats are active, you’ll probably see their trails show up in the flour.
5. Rat Nests
Rats use shredded materials like fabrics and newspapers to build their nests in hidden places. Nests will often contain young rats, and they’re usually within close proximity to a food source.
Look under and behind your appliances, like freezers and fridges, and anywhere else around your kitchen.
Don’t Ignore Your Rat Infestation
If you think you might have a rat infestation in your home and you’re looking for “rat control near me,” you’re on the right track!
Don’t wait to request service until rats have caused significant damage to your home.
Do you have questions before you make an appointment? Contact us with any concerns!