Identifying Signs of Rats or Mice

Rats are most active during the night therefore it is often easier to spot the signs of a rat infestation than the actual rat. Below we have explained some signs that could indicate that you have a potential rat problem. 

• Rat Droppings – Rat droppings are brown in colour and can appear like a grain of rice.
• Footprints – Rat runs are an obvious sign of rat activity as they leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of buildings.
• Rub Marks – Smudges on surfaces can be left as a result of them rubbing against surfaces particularly on their rat runs.
• Gnaw Marks – Rats are agile and are good climbers – this is why they can often be found in lofts where you may notice gnaw marks on wires, cabling or items in the loft.
• Rat Holes – As good diggers rats can burrow to create extensive networks for nesting, shelter and storing of foods.
• Rat Nests – Nests are common as rats will shred things like loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items and use them in order to make nests.

If you have spotted any of the signs mentioned, we recommend acting quickly to ensure the potential infestation doesn’t spread any further.

• Droppings – if you notice a number of droppings at night, small and dark (approx. 3 – 8 mm in length) – these will usually be scattered randomly but check key areas such as behind skirting boards and under kitchen covers.
• Grease marks – rats or mice often brush against walls, floors and skirting on their regular rat runs leaving grease or dark marks around holes or around corners.
• Urine piles – if there are heavy infestations, body grease, combined with dirt and urine, builds up into small mounds, up to 4cm high and 1cm wide.
• Scratching noises – often at night when mice are most active you may hear noises between partition walls, under floorboards, in false ceilings, basements and lofts.
• Nests – using easy to shred materials, mice then line the nest with other soft materials. Check lofts, suspended ceilings, cavity walls, under floorboards and behind fridges, under stoves and in airing cupboards.
• Footprints – dusty environments such as unused lofts and  basements can show up rodent tracks and tail marks. To check for activity, sprinkle flour, talcum powder or china clay and check the next day for fresh tracks.
• Live or dead mice – spotting a mouse during the daytime can be an indication of a heavy infestation.
• Smell – mice urinate frequently and their wee has a strong ammonia-like smell. The stronger the smell the closer you are to mice activity. This smell can linger for a long time (even after an infestation has been removed).

Rat & Mouse Removal

If you have a rat or mouse issue that you would like assistance with at a domestic dwelling or commercial property then get in touch to discuss how we may be able to help your requirements or schedule a free inspection today.

Get in touch today if you have a rat problem.