Rat Footprints and running tracks

When rats scurry around they leave footprints and tail marks in dusty areas of buildings that are less-used. Using a strong torch and shining it over the surface may reveal their tracks. An easy way to determine if there’s an infestation, sprinkle talcum powder over an area of flooring close to existing footprints then check them the next day for fresh tracks. This will help to identify how big a rat problem there may be.

Surface Rub Marks

Rats tend to use the same routes along skirting boards and walls as they are very cautious and also have poor eyesight. As rats spend a lot of time in dirty environments grime on their bodies can leave marks on surfaces they frequent and brush against. These marks can be an indication of rat activity. Because rub marks remain for prolonged periods of time they can’t be relied upon to correctly identify an active rodent infestation.

 Damage Caused By Rats

Rats have a special set of teeth that grow continuously they are called incisor teeth. They will gnaw on many different types of material including wood, plastic and even copper water pipes to keep their teeth trimmed. As mentioned earlier they are also known for chewing through electrical cables potentially resulting in a fire. Rats will also rip open food packets as they search for food this will leave teeth marks indicating their presence.

Nests

Rats are a bit like humans in that they like to stay warm this is why they are so often found nesting in roof voids and wall cavities. They will use shredded materials such as roof insulation, newspapers and different fabrics to make a comfortable nest. Their nests will also usually harbour their young and they will try to locate the nest close to a good food source. Places to check for signs of rats would be behind and under appliances in the kitchen, such as fridges and freezers and even under lounge suites. Rats will often make a comfortable nest inside a lounge suite using the material to stay warm. Rats in the roof will make use of insulation and have been known to pull it apart rendering it ineffective.

Rat Burrows

Although rats in the roof are very common the brown rats are very well known for their ability to excavate. They will dig extensive burrow systems which are used to shelter their young, store food and nesting. Burrows can be found in garden rubbish, compost heaps, under decking boards and concrete slabs of houses and sheds.

Reduce the risk of rats in the roof

Anyone that has chickens in their back garden will certainly have a rat problem. If you love those fresh eggs then you just have to except that rats will be around and they will need constant monitoring. Cleaning up garden rubbish is a great way to help deter rat activity if they have nowhere to harbour they will go elsewhere. For those of us that have cats or dogs make sure their food is stored is a steel container. Always remove unfinished pet food and never leave it out overnight as this will attract rats. These cunning little pests will harbour in the roof void and feed close by. So by eliminating potential easy food sources around the home or office you stand a better chance of getting rid of rats in the roof.

Conclusion

A rat problem can easily be brought under control by implementing a rodent management plan. This is done by placing bait stations in areas where rats frequent. Monitoring of the stations is important in keeping rat populations down. If you think you have rats in the roof or maybe running around the garden somewhere call Sunnystate pest control services and we’ll help you gain control.