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Signs of Rodent Infestation | Rodent Stations | Island Environmental

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Signs of Rats

Have you heard scratching noises or come across small dark brown droppings? If so, then you could potentially have a rat infestation – but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Rats are most active during the night, so it is often easier to spot the signs of a rat infestation than the actual rat.

These signs could indicate that you have a potential rat or mice problem:

Droppings and Urine

Most people first recognize rodent problems by finding droppings or urine stains in and around buildings. Rodents usually have favorite toilet areas but will void almost anywhere.

  • Old droppings are gray, dusty, and will crumble.
  • Fresh droppings are black, shiny, and putty-like.
    Rodents urinate while running, leaving characteristic streaks. The urine glows under ultraviolet light, appearing blue-white when fresh.

Gnawed Objects

Rodents gnaw every day to keep their teeth short and sharp. Rats also gnaw to gain entrance or obtain food.

  • Teeth marks on food, building materials, wire, and edges of beams are indications of gnawing.
  • Fresh gnawing in wood is light-colored with sharp, splintery edges.
  • Old gnawing is smooth and darker.

Runways

Rats habitually use the same paths or runways between harborage and food or water.

  • Outside runways: Smooth, hard-packed trails 2–3 inches wide under vegetation.
  • Indoors: Runways are usually along walls, with undisturbed cobwebs or dust indicating they are not being used.

Rub Marks

Along runways, dark greasy rub marks appear from contact with the rodent’s body.

  • Rub marks on walls appear as black smudges.
  • New rub marks: Soft and smudge easily.
  • Old rub marks: Brittle and flake when scratched.
  • Rafters may show swing marks of roof rats.

Tracks

To detect rodent activity, spread dust material like talcum powder along runways.

  • Footmarks of rats (5-toe hind foot, 4-toe front foot) and tail drag marks will appear in the powder.

Burrows

Norway rats burrow for nesting and harborage.

  • Burrows are usually found in earth banks, along walls, under rubbish, and concrete slabs.
  • Freshly dug dirt scattered in front of 3-inch openings with runways leading to the openings is characteristic.
  • Burrows are typically 18 inches deep in most soils.
  • Slick, hard-packed runways indicate an old, established colony.

Live Rats and Dead Rats

  • Sightings of live rats: A sure sign of infestation. Sightings in the daytime indicate large populations, disease, or poisoning.
  • Dead rats: Mummified carcasses may indicate a former infestation, while many fresh carcasses suggest disease or poisoning.

Sound

Rodent sounds are usually heard at night or in quiet areas.

  • Sounds include scratching, gnawing, fighting, and squeaking from young in nests.