Though rats originated on the continents of Asia and Australia, they now live essentially everywhere in the world. Similar to the way these rodents spread across the globe, they can quickly overtake a home.
These pests rapidly breed and seek out sources of shelter, food, and water. Noticing an infestation sooner, rather than later, can save you time and money. Since rodents carry a number of communicable diseases, catching the problem quickly will protect your family and your pets from falling ill.
Read on to learn five telltale signs that will help you detect a rat infestation.
- Strange Sounds
Rodents in the home can lead to a number of strange sounds around the house. During the day, you might not hear much.
As nocturnal creatures, rats mostly sleep during the day and scurry around at night. You may hear these critters most at dusk and then again at dawn.
While mice chirp and squeak, rats do not make such sounds at a pitch that humans can hear. Instead, you may hear scurrying noises through the walls or in the attic. You might also hear them gnawing or scratching.
- Stinky Scents
Did you ever hear the phrase, “I smell a rat.”? This came about for a reason.
Rats will urinate anywhere. The more they proliferate, the more urine there will be.
The smell of ammonia will typically waft through a rat-infested house. You will smell this especially strong in the area that they nest in.
- Wall Smudges
Rats cannot see very well. For this reason, they bump into things a lot, leaving dark smudges of dirt and grease. Since they typically establish set routes to and from their nests and food sources, they will rub up against the same walls and objects, marking them up repeatedly.
- Destruction
Unfortunately, most rat activity will ruin your home. If you begin to notice paths of destruction, then it may indicate an infestation.
They will go into your cupboards and eat through boxes of food, leaving holes and spills. They may also leave trails of scraps across the floor or countertops.
Even worse, rats constantly chew stuff since their teeth continuously grow. They may gnaw on your walls, furniture, and keepsakes, destroying it.
This little fact also poses a fire hazard. Rats do not discriminate and may also chew through plugged-in wires.
- Sightings
The most obvious signs of rat infestation are sightings. Sometimes, you will actually see one or more of them running along the wall.
Other times, you will only see their telltale droppings. While mouse poop appears small and tapered, rats leave something bigger with rounded ends.
Catch the Rat Infestation Early
If you notice any signs of a rat infestation, pay attention. If you do not take care of it right away, these critters will multiply and continue to destroy your home. The earlier you catch it, the better.
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