We all agree that no one wants to share our home and business with rats or mice. These sneaky invaders are a nuisance to our comforts, knowing they pose real risks to our health, safety, and property. It’s frustrating sometimes that they are great at hiding, which makes it hard for us to catch them. They are masters of squeezing into tight spaces, avoiding detection, and leaving minimal traces behind. Even if you have tried every way to get rid of these rats or mice in your home, how do you know that they are gone?
Actually, we can prevent them from staying in our home by paying attention to the signs of an infestation. We should take some actions before the situation gets out of control. If you see any of these signs, you still have a rat or mice infestation. Here are some of the top signs you have rats in your home.
One of the common signs of a rat infestation in your home is the presence of fresh droppings that are dark and moist. As these droppings age, they dry out, turn grey, and crumble when touched. Most likely their droppings are found near food packages, drawers, under sinks, hidden areas, or along the walls. The highest chance of finding rodents’ droppings is near their nesting or feeding. So, if you spot these signs, it’s a strong indication that they are still making a living on your property, present and active.
The marks left on wooden structures or furniture, electrical wires, insulation, flooring, pallets, and food containers are clear signs of rodent activity. Additionally, the scratching noises heard during nighttime further indicate their presence. Rodents need to chew constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing. If you have noticed these signs, take action promptly to avoid potential damage to your property.
If you hear strange scratching noises, most probably at night, it could be a sign of rats’ infestation. These rats might scurry beneath the house floors, around the cabinets, or burrowing behind your walls. You might even hear them muffled squeaking. If you have noticed these bothersome noises, it’s time for you to take some action and prevent rodents from coming into your home.
Rats usually follow distinct runaways and tracks, leaving signs of marks, footprints, urine, stains, or droppings along the walls. You can detect these by using a light layer of flour or baby powder where they usually make noises; you will see their footprints as a sign they are still actively lurking around.
Rodents, such as rats and mice, are more likely to hide in spaces where they feel safe and see the potential for creating a home. They prefer along the roof, or their nest may be hidden underground or in burrows. Rats typically build their nests using shredded materials such as paper, fabric, or dried plants. They prefer to keep their nests hidden but close to food and water sources. If you notice signs like gnaw marks or droppings, it indicates that a nest is near, and you should remove it immediately.
They often gnaw through packaging to have access to the food inside, where it leaves bite marks and torn materials. Actually, rodents are notorious for contaminating and consuming food supplies, so it’s better for you to take immediate solutions to prevent further contamination or damage.
You can also spot rat infestations through their strong urine odour. They leave urine wherever they go, and rodents often urinate in the same spot near food, leading to the formation of pillars or small mounds of dirt, grease, and urine. To detect urine pools during your inspection, use a black light or fluorescent light for better visibility.
A lingering musty smell in seldom-used areas of your house may be a sign of a rat infestation. Whether it's the musty scent of their nests, the stale ammonia-like odour from their urine, or the sharp, pungent smell of a dead rodent, these odours should not be ignored. Identifying and addressing the source of such smells promptly can help prevent further infestation and property damage.
Lastly, rodents can easily access your home through gaps and holes in the structure. Common entry points include the attic, basement, and hollow sections within the walls. Sealing these vulnerable areas is crucial to controlling rodent infestation.
The size of a rodent infestation can be assessed by observing these signs and tracking their frequency and severity. Tracking these signs over time helps establish patterns of activity, allowing you to pinpoint the areas most affected and understand the scale of the infestation. This information is crucial for deciding on the most effective steps to address the issue, whether it involves preventive measures, professional pest control services, or thorough cleaning and sealing of entry points. Taking prompt action based on these observations can prevent further damage to your property and reduce health risks associated with rodent infestations.
On top of it all, rodents can pose serious risks to your property and health, but early detection and effective action can help prevent larger problems. Despite doing things to stop them from coming into your home, they keep on returning back.
Keeping rodents at bay requires vigilance and proactive measures, you can rely on Sydney Pest Crew for your never-ending problem with the rat infestations. Our rodent control experts can significantly alleviate your stress. We offer a cost-effective solution for addressing all your rodent-related concerns, ensuring your property remains protected year-round.
Call us on 1300 288 342 or write an email to us at info@sydneypestcrew.com.au. Book your pest treatment at Sydney Pest Crew. We are happy to help!