Rat Infestation

^{Rat on the countertop}

Rats are responsible for the transmission of over 70 diseases. Their feeding habits are destructive and their nesting behaviors can compromise the structure of infested buildings. However, rats are rarely seen by humans and as such, an infestation may prove difficult to confirm.

The most obvious sign of a rat infestation is the presence of dead or living rats. If one rat is present within a building, it is likely that a full-blown infestation already exists. Rat droppings may be present, indicating a healthy, feeding rat population. Rats also tend to leave dirt or grease marks along walls and floorboards.

If these obvious signs are not present, examine the surroundings for rat runs. These tracks are left in grass and low vegetation and act as foraging paths for rodents. Rats tend to follow the same paths after they have been established. They dwell in burrows found in grassy embankments, beneath the roots of trees and at the edges of paving and drain covers. These nests may also be found inside in lofts, attics, beneath floorboards and in other dark, infrequently visited locations.

^{Rat in kitchen pantry}

Rats gnaw incessantly on hard, non-edible materials such as plastic and wood. The presence of damaged materials and large holes in floorboards and walls are sure signs of infestation. Rat tooth marks are large and rough in appearance.

In the event of an infestation, it is best to consult a pest control professional. Although various traps are available, they address only individual specimens and will not prove effective in the face of an infestation. Commercially-available rat poison is extremely dangerous to humans and house pets. Additionally, rats tend to be wary of unknown objects in their established foraging paths, rendering most bait ineffective.

Rat or Muskrat + Differences

Rat Sense of Smell

Rat Tracks

Rat Varieties

What Does A Rat Look Like?