Signs of Rats

Rats in or around your home can cause serious problems. Even if they are not in your living areas, any rat problem inside your home should be treated immediately! Rat control is important to avoid a number of serious diseases, which rats are known to transmit. The Center for Disease Control lists nearly a dozen diseases directly linked to rats, including Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, Lassa Fever, Leptospirosis, and Salmonellosis.

Rats can cause significant damage to wiring and insulation, and even gnaw through walls and flooring. Rat teeth grow continuously, roughly 0.4mm per day, and their lower incisors are harder than steel, platinum, or iron. Rats in your yard can also present tremendous risk, especially if you have children and/or pets. Rats can undermine hill sides, retaining walls and other structures due to their burrowing.

Although many homeowners struggle with DIY rat control, the results are often frustratingly ineffective. Small problems quickly develop into large ones! Adelaide Pest Control technicians are experienced professionals – they are state-certified, licensed experts. They are also required to participate in regular training maintain their skills. They understand the habits of each rat species and use that expert knowledge to develop a control program for your home.

Call the team who have been protecting Adelaide homes and families since 1947. We have local insight into the rodent behaviours, and our professional technicians work to eliminate the problem without so much as a squeak.

How To Identify Signs of Rats

• Rat Droppings - usually found concentrated areas as rats produce up to 40 droppings per night. Brown rat droppings are dark brown in a tapered, spindle shape about 9mm - 14mm long.
• Scratching Noises - at night from above may suggest a black rat presence. Brown rats you may hear 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 - Rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of buildings. Shining a strong flashlight at a low angle should reveal tracks clearly.
• 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.
• Damage - Rats have teeth that grow continuously. They need to gnaw on wood and plastic to keep them trim. You may also notice ripped food packaging, as rats tear open food, leaving visible teeth marks.
• Nests - Rats build nests in warm, hidden places using shredded material such as newspaper and fabrics. Check behind and under appliances, such as fridges and freezers in or near your kitchen.
• Burrows - Brown rats are well known for digging and excavating extensive burrow systems for shelter, food storage and nesting. Look for burrows in compost heaps, under decking or garden sheds, or in garages.