Ways to Identify Rats

Sighting: They’re generally nocturnal, so don’t rely on this method; however, if disturbed, you may catch one during the day.

Grease Marks: Rats have incredibly greasy fur and, due to poor eyesight, tend to run established routes through your home, leaving dark grease marks against walls and skirting boards. This identification method is most prevalent when an infestation is fairly well established; however, you shouldn’t rely on it if you have had problems in the past, as smears can remain for a while

Footprints: In less-used areas of your home, rats will leave foot and tail marks in the dust, which you should be able to spot by shining a torch at a low angle. To check for an active infestation, sprinkle fine flour or talcum powder close to the footprints and check for tracks the next day.

Scratching Sounds: Black rats are good climbers, so they can easily access roofs, lofts and upper floors of tall buildings. Listen out for scratching sounds in the night to indicate their presence. Brown rats aren’t such skilful climbers and are more likely to be heard scurrying under decking, floorboards or sheds. They can be identified by a teeth grinding or chattering noise, known as ‘bruxing.’

Bite Marks: As rats’ teeth don’t stop growing, they regularly gnaw at hard objects to file them down. They will chew almost anything, including wood, metal, plastic and concrete, so keep an eye out for marks.

Burrows: Brown rats build burrows next to solid objects or structures, like decking, sheds and garages, for nesting, shelter and storing food.