Infestations by rats, a common household pest, can cause significant damage quickly. Their pee and droppings can contaminate food, and they can chew through wiring, insulation, and walls. Identifying a rat infestation as soon as feasible is crucial in limiting the damage caused by the pests. This article will explain how to recognize a rat problem in Canada.
How To Tell If You Have Rat Infestation?
We have assembled essential tips to identify rat infestation at the early stage.
Rat Droppings
One of the leading indicators of a rat infestation is the presence of feces. Droppings from rats are typically tiny, cylindrical, and a very dark color. They frequently congregate in or around places where people or animals eat, such as storage areas and pantries. You must take quick action if you discover rat feces in your home.
Gnaw Marks
Rats bite on things with sharp front teeth, leaving gnaw marks behind. If not caught on time, rats can cause significant damage to your property. You may discover evidence of their presence with bite marks on wood, plastic, or other materials. Baseboards, door frames, and even furniture might have chewing marks.
Unusual Noises
Rats are nocturnal animals; therefore, their noises are typically heard at night, when they are most active. You can guess a rat infestation from noises like scratching or rustling in the walls. The silence of night can amplify these sounds, making them difficult to ignore.
Nesting Materials
Rats construct their nests from various materials, including shredded paper, fabric, and insulation. These items can be found in the attic, walls, or basement, where rats love to hide.
Footprints
Rats have tiny feet that leave distinctive tracks. You can find footprints in dusty areas of your house. These tracks can help you identify where rats go and where they may hide.
Grease Marks
Oily rat fur transfers oil to whatever it touches. Greasy smudges on walls or floors indicate that rats are traversing those areas.
Unusual Pet Behavior
A change in your pet’s behavior could be the first sign of a rat infestation. When dogs and cats smell rats, they may become more watchful and vigilant and even scratch at the walls or other nearby surfaces.
Unpleasant Odour
When rats are confined to a tight space, their characteristic, musky odor becomes more noticeable. The smell of rodent urine is pungent and musty. When there is a significant number of them, their presence can be detected by smell.
What To Do When You Find Rats In The House?
Taking prompt action is essential if you suspect a rat infestation. When left unchecked, a rat infestation can rapidly spread from a manageable level to a disastrous one. Setting traps or employing rat poison are two methods you can use to attempt and solve the problem on your own, but you should be cautious when doing so. Contacting a pest control service is advisable if you have a rat problem and need more confidence handling it.
Quality Affordable Pest Control is here at your service. Contact us at 647-502-3950 to hire affordable rodent control services now!
