Rats can cause a nuisance in any property or garden so it’s worth knowing the signs that suggest rats are near.
Whether you’re worried about them getting into your house or taking over your outdoor space, this is what you should be looking for to identify a rat problem.
Rats will make most of their movements during the night so it’s easier to work out if you have an infestation rather than spotting a rat, shares pest control company Rentokil.
Here are the signs you should look out for if you think you have a rat infestation, according to the experts.
6 signs you might have a rat infestation
Rat droppings
Look out for rat droppings, which are dark brown and have a “tapered, spindle shape” and look like rice.
Rentokil added: “Tend to be found concentrated in specific locations as rats produce up to 40 droppings per night.”
Rub marks
Rub marks can also indicate that rats have been in your space as the grease and dirt they carry on their bodies often transfer to surfaces.
Rats have bad eyesight so they will opt for “established routes along skirting boards and walls”.
Gnaw marks
You might also find some gnaw marks if rats have been present. If they’re in a loft, as rats are good climbers, you might find gnaw marks in wires or cabling and even some items that are stored in the loft.
Rat holes
Have you spotted any rat holes? The rodents will burrow to make a shelter, store their food and nest.
Rentokil added: “They build rat burrows next to solid objects or structures.”
Rat nests
Rat nests are something else you should look out for. They use materials to make a nest, including things like cardboard and loft insulation and shred it into smaller pieces. They will likely use other soft materials too.
Footprints
Footprints are another tell-tale sign you have rats living nearby. If a building has a dusty and less-used area, you might find footprints and tail marks on surfaces.
How to get rid of these common garden pests
Rentokil added: “To establish if an infestation is active, sprinkle fine flour or talc in the area near the footprints and check for fresh tracks the next day.”
The experts advise acting fast if you have noticed any of these signs of a rat infestation.
How long do wild rats live in the UK?
Pest control company Panther Pest Control said a study conducted in the UK found that the average lifespan of a rat is 1.8 years.
It was estimated that only about 5% of rats live up to three years or more.
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However, the experts said: “In general, the longevity of a rat’s life is strongly individual and is mostly based on its living conditions, genetics, and diet.
“Meaning that if a rat is living in a safe place and has enough food and water, and doesn’t have any genetic issues, it can live up to three and more years.”
It added that rats living in the UK will “rarely” survive for three years, but with the animals quickly reproducing, one rat in your home or garden can quickly become an infestation.
