Whilst rodents aren’t dangerous, they can be carriers of disease that cause concern. They typically live for an average of 3-4 years, but can multiply quite quickly!

Damages caused by rats

Rats can cause significant damage to your property — gnawing on anything, leading to structural damage and reproducing in large numbers causing damage to insulation, wiring and more. Keep in mind that rats and mice are incredibly destructive and carriers of various infections and diseases, requiring prompt and effective rat pest control in Sydney homes. Don't let them take over your property, call a professional rat exterminator for help.

There are very few pests that cause as much damage as these pests. Here’s why rats are dangerous:

• Rat bites are highly infectious as they carry dangerous bacteria and diseases like leptospirosis, salmonellosis, rabies, and the plague. Unless treated quickly, these diseases can prove to be fatal.
• Besides humans, rats can transmit viruses to pets as well.
• Rats can also easily contaminate your food with urine, foul odour, and faeces. This can result in food poisoning. These pests have to be eradicated immediately.
• Rats and mice are also capable of causing extensive property damage. They gnaw at everything from wood, plastics, paper, to insulations, power lines, and other wirings.
• In some cases, they may also cause fire damage after chewing wires and bringing in leaves and other materials that ignite the fire. In cases of wooden structures, they can easily compromise their structural integrity.

Signs of rat infestation

• Droppings — Look for dark, moist rat droppings that harden and lighten over time, often found in concentrated areas due to rats producing up to 40 droppings per night.
• Scratching noises — Pay attention to scratching sounds at night. These signal rat activity in hidden areas like under decking, attics or walls.
• Footprints — Noticeable footprints or tail marks in dustier parts of buildings, such as basements and attics, can be checked by sprinkling flour or talcum powder to detect fresh tracks.
• Rub marks — Greasy smudges along walls indicate established rat routes caused by their consistent brushing against surfaces due to poor eyesight.
• Gnaw marks — Fresh, rough, light-coloured gnaw marks on furniture, food packaging and structures show continuous tooth growth as rats gnaw to manage tooth length.
• Nests — Discovering nests made of shredded newspaper, fabric or insulation in warm, hidden areas often indicate a nearby rat population.
• Burrows — Look for rat burrows in gardens around buildings or under decking. They typically have holes about 6-9 cm in diameter.
• Unusual smells — A persistent musty odour in infrequently used parts of your home can signify a rat infestation.

Recognising these signs early and responding promptly with professional rat removal in Sydney can save you significant trouble and expenses down the line. If you notice any of these signs, it's advisable to contact a professional in rat pest control in Sydney immediately to assess and address the situation effectively.