How To Spot A Rat Infestation Before It Gets Out Of Hand

Rats rarely show themselves. By the time you see one in daylight, there is often a nest nearby. The good news is that rats leave clear clues long before the problem gets big. Knowing what to look for lets you act early, which is cheaper and safer for your home or business.

Rats move indoors in autumn and winter. They want warmth, food and shelter, and a small gap is all they need. A rat can squeeze through a hole about the size of a 50p coin.

Seven early signs of rats

• Droppings. Rat droppings are dark, shaped like a small pellet and about 12mm long. Fresh ones are shiny and soft. Old ones are dry and grey. You will often find them along walls, in cupboards, behind appliances and in lofts.
• Gnaw marks. Rats chew to keep their teeth short. Look for fresh, pale marks on wood, pipes, cables and food packaging.
• Noises at night. Scratching, scurrying or squeaking in walls, ceilings and under floors is a common first sign. Rats are most active after dark.
• Greasy rub marks. Rats follow the same routes every day. Their fur leaves dark, greasy smears along skirting boards and walls.
• Nests. Rats shred paper, card, fabric and insulation to build nests. They hide them in lofts, wall voids, under decking and behind boxes.
• Smells. A strong, musty smell can mean a nest is close. A sharp ammonia smell comes from their urine.
• Holes and burrows outside. Look for holes about 6 to 9cm wide near walls, drains, sheds and compost heaps.

Pets can also give you a hint. Cats and dogs may stare at a wall, sniff at one spot or act restless at night.

Why you should not wait

Rats carry germs that can make people ill. These include Weil's disease and salmonella. They spread germs through urine, droppings and the surfaces they touch. They also chew through cables, which can cause fires and power cuts.

Rats breed quickly. One pair can have several litters in a year. A few rats can turn into a large group in a few months.

If you find droppings, do not sweep or vacuum them dry. This can throw germs into the air. Wear gloves, spray the area with disinfectant and wipe it up with paper towels. Bag the waste and wash your hands well.

How to stop rats coming in

1. Block gaps around pipes, vents and doors. Use wire wool and a strong filler or metal plate. Rats can chew through soft materials.
2. Keep food in sealed metal or hard plastic boxes.
3. Clear up crumbs and spilled pet food every day.
4. Keep bins closed and tidy. Do not leave rubbish bags outside.
5. Cut back plants that touch the walls and clear piles of wood or clutter near the building.
6. Fix leaking pipes and dripping taps. Rats need water.

DIY or professional help?

A single trap may catch one rat. It will not remove a nest or find how they got in. If you see signs in more than one place, hear noises in the walls, or the problem comes back, it is time to call a professional. Our guide on whether you need professional rat control or can do it yourself explains the difference in more detail.

Our technicians find the entry points, treat the infestation and advise how to stop rats coming back. We also clean up after rats, including droppings and nesting material. See our rat control service or read more about our wider pest control services. If you have mice rather than rats, read how to get rid of mice in your home this autumn. Rats in the loft? Our guide to the signs of a pest infestation in your loft will help.

Renting? Responsibility depends on your tenancy. Read are landlords responsible for pest control?

Need help with rats?

ICE Cleaning has teams across the UK, day and night, 365 days a year. Call us on 0208 066 0360 or email contactus@icecleaning.co.uk and we will arrange a visit.