Rats

Rats can transmit a number of serious diseases. They can be very persistent and if rats gain access into your property they can spread disease, cause damage and contaminate food. One pair of rats shed more than 1 million body hairs each year and a single rat can leave up to 25,000 droppings. Taking prompt action at the first signs of rats will ensure your problem can be quickly treated.

Rats are most active between dusk and dawn therefore it is often easier to spot the signs of a rat problem, rather than an actual rodent.

What do you need to do?

If you do see any of the signs mentioned below you need to act quickly to ensure any potential rat infestation is controlled quickly before it can spread, So call us on (631)-427-3600 | (516)-358-5400 and speak to a professional Exterminator who will be able help you.

What To Look For To Identify Signs Of Rats
You can quickly learn how to easily identify the most important signs that will indicate that you could have a problem with rats.

• Rat Droppings - Brown Rat droppings are dark brown in a tapered, spindle shape - like a grain of rice.
• Rub Marks - Grease and dirt on their bodies leaves smudges on surfaces.
• Scratching Noises - Black rats are agile climbers and often found in lofts to you might hear scratching noises at night.
• Rat Holes - Brown rats are well known for digging extensive burrow systems for shelter, food storage and nesting.
• Rat Nests - Rats will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items to make nests.
• Footprints - Rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of buildings.

Where to Check for Rats Inside a Building

• Lofts & attic spaces - look for shredded loft insulation, chewed items and rat droppings (rat poo) in corners and inside items like cardboard boxes.
• Kitchens & laundries - look behind appliances like cookers, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers. In fact, check any gaps where pipework or cables enter your property from outside.
• Out of sight - and possibly out of mind locations, such as crawlspaces, suspended ceilings and even cavity walls can be squeezed into by young rats.

Where to Check for Rats Outside your Property

Where in your home or business should you start checking for the signs of rats, their nests and damage they can cause? Rats are agile climbers, who can jump, gnaw and burrow so realistically you should check your property from top to bottom, inside and out. Here are some common places you might find evidence of a rat infestation.

• Decking - check the edges of decked areas for signs of damage from gnawing and burrowing.
• Sheds - look for rat holes (entrances to burrows) around the edges of sheds and out buildings.
• Garages - check for gaps around door frames or holes gnawed at the bottom of wooden doors. If you have an integral garage check around the internal door as well, and any vents that could give entry into other internal areas.
• Compost bins - compost heaps attract rats because they are warm and contain food. Check lid and base of composters for holes and gnaw marks.
• Vegetation - look for rat holes among tree and shrub roots, in overgrown vegetation or nearby wasteland.
• Drains - check if drain covers are damaged or if there are holes dug next to the drain covers.