Signs of Rat Infestation

Rat infestations can cause long-term damage to your home and family. Once these rodents begin to nest and reproduce, it becomes increasingly hard to determine how many there are. It’s also hard to determine what kind of diseases they might be carrying (and can spread!) and how to get rid of the problem.

On top of all that, rats are very secretive and intuitive critters. This means that they can go unnoticed until the infestation is out of control. It is important for homeowners to be able to detect the early warning signs of rat infestation and call an Atlanta rodent control service provider as soon as possible.

Look for Droppings

One of the first indications of a rat infestation is a trail of droppings. Carefully examine dark corners and baseboards, looking for rat feces. The droppings will be about a 1/2 inch in size. If you believe that you have found any indication of rats in your home, contact an exterminator in Atlanta to come in and inspect the property. He or she will be able to determine approximately how old the feces are and how long the infestation has been present.

Chew Marks

Rats are notorious for gnawing away at anything and everything. If you are unable to find noticeable rat droppings, look for bite marks on food products in cupboards or counters. The kitchen, pantry, attic, and storage areas including crawl spaces and basements are the biggest areas of activity for rat populations. You can also look for evidence of gnawing on items that may attract rats based on smell or appearance.

Unusual Sounds

Another sign of rat infestation is night time noise. Before you go to bed at night, walk around your home and listen for squeaking, rustling, or scratching noises. Rats make the most noise at night because they are nocturnal.

If you notice any of these signs around your home, be sure to contact an Atlanta rodent control specialist, so they can eradicate the problem and seal off any possible entry point in your home. If every entry point is not found and sealed, rats will continue to enter your home. They will also continue to nest and the infestation can soon begin all over again. Our Atlanta pest control specialists will install the necessary building materials to seal gaps and entry points and inspect your structure regularly to monitor for any continued activity.