Need to get rid of rats?
Our experts provide a long-term, effective solution to your rat problem.
Read more >
Commercial customers can call for a free quote on +254 703055777 or +254703 055169
For your local experts call us on +254 703055666
Signs of a Rat Infestation
Rats are well known to spread disease, damage property and contaminate food and animal feed. If they are able to gain entry to your home or business, they can introduce other unwelcome parasites like fleas, lice and ticks.
Acting on the first sign of a suspected rat problem can help to drastically reduce the length of time needed to effectively control a rat infestation. Rats are able to breed quickly and a small problem has the potential to develop into a serious issue if left unmanaged.
Call Rentokil today if you are worried about a rat problem.
How to Identify Signs of Rats
As nocturnal creatures, rats are most active between dusk and dawn and usually hide from humans during the day. It is often easier to spot the signs of a rat problem rather than the actual pest itself.
-
- Rat Droppings - tend to be found in concentrated areas as rats produce up to 40 droppings per night. Brown rat droppings are dark brown in a tapered, spindle shape resembling a large grain of rice.
- Scratching Noises - black rats in particular are agile climbers, earning them their common name - the roof rat. They can easily gain access into loft spaces and upper floors of buildings, so scratching noises at night may suggest their presence. Brown rats on the other hand, are less adept climbers. You may hear them scurrying under decking, sheds and floorboards. They are more likely to be identified by a grinding noise they make with their teeth known as bruxing.
- Footprints (running tracks) - Rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of buildings. Shining a strong torch at a low angle should reveal tracks clearly. To establish if a rat infestation is active, sprinkle fine flour or talc along a small stretch of floor near the footprints and check for fresh tracks the next day.
- Rub Marks - rats use established routes along skirting boards and walls due to their poor eyesight. Grease and dirt on their bodies leave smudges and dark marks on both objects and surfaces they repeatedly brush against. These marks may indicate rodent activity, but as smears may remain for a long period of time, they are not a good gauge of an active infestation.
- Rat holes - brown rats are well known for digging and excavating extensive burrow systems for shelter, food storage and nesting. They build rat burrows next to solid objects or structures (decking, garden sheds, garages etc.) and rat holes are also found in secluded, well vegetated areas such as gardens and wasteland.
- Rat Nests - not only will they nest in burrows, rat nests can be found in lofts, attics, crawlspaces, under eaves and even in cavity walls. They will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items to make nests.
Have You Spotted Rat Droppings?
If you think you have roof rats, or if you have spotted any rat droppings or other signs of a rat infestation, it is important to act quickly to control the problem and reduce the health risks posed by this rodent.
At Rentokil, our qualified local technicians are backed by global knowledge and innovation and are able to provide the most effective solutions in getting rid of rats on your premises.
We can also provide you with rat control advice to avoid an infestation in your home or business.
Contact us today for fast, effective Rat control treatments for your home or business.