Discovering that you have a rat infestation can be alarming. However, the sooner you identify the signs, the quicker you can take action to get rid of them. This article outlines the top signs that rats have invaded your home or business.
Sightings
The most obvious sign of a rat infestation is seeing the rodents. Rodent control and pest management services in Bristol say to look out for rats scurrying quickly across floors, especially at night when they are most active. You may spot them hiding behind furniture or appliances when you enter a room. Listen for scratching or scampering noises coming from inside walls or the attic. Rats are elusive, so even just catching a glimpse suggests a larger population hiding out.
Droppings
Rats produce hundreds of droppings each day. Look along baseboards, behind appliances and under sinks for piles of black, capsule-shaped faeces about the size of a raisin. Attics and crawl spaces are other hotspots for droppings. Inspect carefully because rat poop can indicate the presence of invisible colonies. According to rodent control Bristol experts, droppings contain pathogens that can be harmful to humans, so promptly remove all traces.
Gnaw Marks
Rats must constantly gnaw due to their fast-growing teeth. Look for gnaw marks or tiny bite marks on woodwork, doors, walls, pipes and electrical wires. Rats can chew through plastic packaging, cardboard boxes and many other materials to reach food sources. You may find shredded paper or insulation that rats dragged out for nesting too. Unexplained damage around your home points to hungry rodents.
Strange Odours
Rats emit an unpleasant musky scent from their bodies and urine. You may notice odd odours in certain areas that can’t be accounted for. Lofts, wall voids and cellars might take on this stench when infested with rats. The musty smell tends to get stronger as more rats move in. Contact a pest control specialist if any part of your home has started to smell like rat urine for no explicable reason.
Grease Marks
The dirt, oil and grease that accumulates on rats’ fur leaves behind rub marks along their frequently travelled paths. Look for dark greasy streaks on walls, rafters and beams at rat runway areas. You’ll notice them near nesting sites, food sources and entry points. The highest concentration of rub marks will pinpoint the most active spots.
Damaged Food Packages
Pantry items like cereals, grains, chips and dry pet food often become targets. Look for ripped bags, shredded packaging and chewed corners on such food items. Rats will gnaw into containers or cardboard boxes to feed. Discard anything showing signs of contamination right away. Then thoroughly clean shelves and storage bins in case traces got left behind.
Strange Noises
If you hear new scratching, scurrying or scampering noises coming from within walls, ceiling cavities or loft spaces, rodent activity should be suspected. Rats are especially noisy at night. You may hear their claws against woodwork and pipes or sounds of nibbling or gnawing while they feed. If you haven’t heard such noises before, it can indicate a recent rat infestation.
Tips for Prevention
To help deter rats from invading your Bristol home or business, rat exterminator Bristol pros recommend sealing all possible entry points and removing overgrown vegetation near foundations. Store food properly in sealed plastic or metal containers, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and keep outside rubbish bins covered securely. Act fast at the first signs of rats to prevent rapid population growth.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot multiple signs of infestation, call a rodent control Bristol company right away. Trained specialists have the expertise to fully inspect your property, accurately identify all rat activity, pinpoint entry points and nesting areas, and deploy effective treatments to eliminate rats and prevent recurrence.
Don’t live with a rat problem – get relief by calling the rat control experts today.
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