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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 for a quote on 1300 881 911 and speak to a local expert who will be able help you.
We recommend acting quickly as rats are well known to spread diseases, damage property, contaminate food stuffs and also introduce parasites like fleas, lice and ticks into your property.
Don't waste time, book a treatment now with one of our experts
Below you can quickly learn how to easily identify the most important signs that will indicate that you could have a problem with rats.
Usually found in concentrated areas as rats can produce up to 40 droppings per night. Brown rat droppings are dark brown in a tapered, spindle shape about 9–14mm long. They can resemble a large grain of rice.
Rats have a set of teeth that grow continuously. They need to gnaw on wood and plastic to keep them trim. You may also notice ripped food packaging, as rats tear open food, leaving visible teeth marks.
Rats use established routes along skirting boards and walls due to their poor eyesight. Grease and dirt on their bodies leave smudges and dark marks on both objects and surfaces they repeatedly brush against.
Black rats (also known as the roof rat) are agile climbers and can easily gain access into loft spaces and upper floors of buildings. Hearing scratching noises at night from above may suggest their presence.
Brown rats are well known for digging and excavating extensive burrow systems for shelter, food storage and nesting. Look for burrows in compost heaps, under decking or garden sheds, or in garages.
Rats build nests in warm, hidden places using shredded material such as newspaper and fabrics. Nests will often contain young rats and are usually located close to a food source. Check behind and under appliances, such as fridges and freezers in or near your kitchen.
Rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of buildings. To establish if an infestation is active, sprinkle fine flour or talc along a small stretch of floor near the footprints and check for fresh tracks the next day.
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.
Known for their fierce survival instincts and preference for urban sewers and human dwellings, the damages that rats bring about should not be taken lightly. Besides damaging foodstuffs, rat infestation could cause food poisoning and fatal leptospirosis.
In city centres, some experts say there are as many rats as there are humans, while more conservative estimates put the ratio closer to one rat for every four humans.
To fully understand how the rise of the rats has happened, you must understand the staggering rate that they reproduce.
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