Spotting the Signs: How to Identify Rat Infestations
Rats are really bad at keeping secrets, and if they’re nearby, they’ve probably left hints to let you know. It’s key to know the signs of a rat infestation, as they can get out of hand rapidly. The quicker an infestation is spotted, the quicker it can be dealt with.
Understanding the Risk
When it comes to pests, rats are one of the most well-known species. The impact they can have on your premises, whether residential or commercial, should not be underestimated. The breakdown in communication between service providers, on-site teams, and decision-makers can elevate the risk levels associated with these seemingly cunning rodents.
Rats, with their persistent gnawing and nesting habits, pose a significant risk to properties and can even lead to fire hazards if they decide to chew on electrical wiring. Beyond physical damage, the reputation of your business can be at stake if clients or customers notice signs of a rat infestation.
Signs Rats are around:
- Droppings:
A prevalent indication of rats' presence is their droppings, which are dark, pellet-shaped, resembling large grains of rice. These droppings are typically clustered in specific areas, as rats tend to use the same spot for their activities and can leave up to 40 droppings in one night.
- Gnaw Marks:
Additional evidence includes gnawing marks on electrical cables, woodwork, plastic, brick, lead pipes and many other materials. Torn bags of foodstuff and materials also indicative of rat activity.
- Trails:
In dusty and undusted areas of buildings, rats frequently leave footprints or tail marks as a telltale sign of their presence.
- Smear Marks:
Rats may also leave a distinctive calling card in the form of a greasy residue known as 'smear marks'. These marks result from the rats' coats rubbing against walls as they move along these trails toward their nest or in the search of food.
- Noises:
Audible signs of rats include scratching, gnawing, and scuttling sounds. Brown rats, when stressed, may grind their teeth and chatter, producing distinct noises. Accurate identification is crucial, as these sounds could be associated with a squirrel infestation.
Understanding the signs of a rat infestation is crucial in preventing potential risks to your business. Contego's proactive and audited approach ensures that communication breakdowns between service providers and decision-makers are eliminated, reducing the overall risk.
Need help identifying and controlling rats?
If you're having issues with rata, please contact our professional pest control team. We have the expertise and resource to swiftly and effectively eradicate pests from your premises.
