Rat Infestations - How to Tell if You Have a Rat Problem

by: TC Thorn

Oh Rats!

Older houses are most vulnerable to rats, but it's possible for them to crop up in just about any neighborhood. There are often large rat populations in the city, but apartment owners typically rarely see them since their landlords will typically take care of building maintenance, including unwelcome visitors. rats are more problematic to the average suburban homeowner. Here are some signs to look for to see if rats are living in or around your house:

Rat Sounds:

Rats are typically active at night. You might hear such indicators as the patter of paws, squeaks, or climbing sounds in the walls. Mice may also emit a little whistle.

Rat Odors:

Rats and mice lairs give off a noticeable pungent smell.

Rat Droppings:

Look for rat droppings near your food supplies, i.e. kitchen cupboards or countertops. A variety of sizes may indicate an established colony with both older and younger animals.

Rat Gnawings:

Look for freshly gnawed wood, indicated by a paler coloring than the wood around it.

Excited Pets:

Dogs and cats are sensitive to the sounds and smells of rats. If your pet frequently paws or sniffs at the wall or floor in one particular spot, especially near kitchen cabinets or storage areas, it may be an indicator of rats or mice.

Actual Rat Sightings:

If you actually see a live rodent, it's a good indicator that you have a problem. Rats are secretive and are usually only out at night, so if you see one in the daytime, it probably means there are enough to have forced that individual out. Assume there are at least 10 more rats in the general area for every one you see. It is important to note that mice are naturally active during the day, so a mouse sighting doesn't necessarily mean there is a colony in your house.

About The Author

TC Thorn
Please visit http://www.pestinformation.com/ for more information on Pest Control.

We are trying to collect info on ways to remove Rat problems. Please enter any Rat 'removal' tips that you may have in the form below:

I have used the Victor Rat Traps (with the yellow plate) I melted Galaxy Chocolate in a bowl over boiling Water, then coated the Bait Plates. This allowed me to reuse the trap - (very little of the chocolate had been knawed before been caught)
Keep garbage cans covered. never throw food outside. if they are inside, get traps, use poison and block all entries.

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Date Added: Thursday 13th December 2007

"If i have got a rat in my shed/garden then i dont care which way it gets killed as long as its dead i totally hate them...and i would go for a trap anyday over poison i really dont fancy the thought of finding it dead six months down the line in the full heat of the day!!!"

Lisa P

Date Added: Tuesday 27th November 2007

"I have discovered a failsafe way of executing Rats! they got in under a gap at the bottom of my shed door and I expected where still in the clutered shed so instead of sealing it up I got 4 fenn traps and got two sheets of metal and placed them so there was only enough space at door for rat to get in/out that is where i put the traps 2 inside 2 outside the traps work when the rat has to stand on it to get out (reason I put 2 outside also was to be sure the rats caught came from within as new rats going in would be whacked outside) if you require any further details email me Sabermaze@aol.com. next morning rat 1 caught rat2 caught 4hours later traps down for 3 days now no more rats :-)if you find where rats come in dont block it off they will eat in somwhere else in your house guaranteed use snap traps and place at entrance hole and dont block up until sure all rats caught cause if you block them in you will have a few sleepless nights as they need food and water dont use poisons dying rats will crawl into the smallest gaps and die leaving a stink that can last upto 2 years and rotting carcases will attract other rats and bluebottles then you will have a infestation of Maggots, Warning fenn traps and kids/pets dont mix. so lock sheds and garages when using these traps but they are brilliant but you need to be strong to set them. hope this helps you worried people who are reading this cause if your reading this it probabaly means you also have an unwelcome creature sharing with you."

The Rat Equaliser

Date Added: Friday 9th November 2007

"your right it doesnt sounds cruel IT IS CRUEL finding a more humane way to get rid of the problem sounds like a better option."

Anom

Date Added: Friday 12th October 2007

"Sounds cruel, but then again they are bleeding to death internally anyway from the poison and so I guess this may speed the process?"

Admin

Date Added: Friday 12th October 2007

"After putting rat poison nearby to where you think they are nesting take an old teaplate or glass,and smash it into bits, the rats will then cut themselves on the shards of glass and bleed to death."

L J