Let's face it; house rats don't have a reputation for being cute and cuddly. They are unwanted guests for homeowners. Rats also have continuously growing sharp teeth they can use to bite out of self-defence, and they can destroy your property by their continuous gnawing. 

Rats also carry disease-causing germs that can transmit to humans, such as the hantavirus. Sometimes these pathogens can transfer through their urine and poo. Eventually, they become airborne, contaminating your atmosphere. 

Like cockroaches, rats are nocturnal creatures that can be tricky to catch. There are specific signs that can determine the rats' population. Rodents coming out at night but never during the day are easier to trap, while seeing rats during the day, fresh droppings, or new bite marks could indicate a bigger problem. 

Here are six signs to call pest control ASAP.

1. Fresh Rat Droppings

Fresh rat droppings are dark and moist, while older ones are grey and can easily crumble when you move them. The breeding grounds for rat waste are near food packages, in drawers, cupboards, under sinks, and along walls. 

Large quantities of rat droppings indicate rodent nesting or feeding. 

2. Foul Odours

House pets like cats might become active in rat-infested areas, stemming from rodents' urine odour. When your pet paws at a new location, it might be best to grab a flashlight and examine the area for rodents. You might also detect an ongoing large infestation from a persistent stale ammonia smell from hidden places. On the other hand, a dead rat has a usually sharp, pungent, and sour odour. 

3. Fresh Bite Marks

Fresh rat gnaw marks are lighter in colour and darken as they age. You might see bite holes on food packaging or the walls. Lighter-coloured bites indicate a persisting infestation. The marks' size can also determine if you have rats or mice. 

4. Nests

Birds' nests are cute, but nesting rats are not. Rodents collect ripped paper, dead plants, and fabric to build a nest—areas with fresh rat droppings, bite marks, foul odour, or tracks indicate that you still might have an infestation at home. 

5. Scratching Noises

Things going bump in the night could mean you still have an active infestation. You might hear them scurrying beneath the floors, around the cabinets, or burrowing behind walls. You might also hear muffled squeaking. Observe your pet if they paw at your wall and put your ear over it to see whether you can hear something.

6. Rat Tracks 

Rodents' tracks are distinctive and fainter as time passes. You can easily detect them with a flashlight angled towards the suspected area. You might see smudge marks, footprints, urine stains, or rat faeces. 

Applying a thin layer of flour or powder to the suspected area can help you identify active rodents. 

The Takeaway

Rats are, without a doubt, a nightmare to most homeowners. They bring terror and infectious disease-causing germs. Fortunately, these infestations are preventable. Practising regular cleaning and calling your local pest control can help them keep out of your home. 

Roach Busters offers quality pest control services in Seven Hills. We have stomped out unwanted house guests in the Sydney area since 2000 and provide our customers with friendly customer service. Reach out to us today and enjoy a safer and cleaner home.