You fear your worst nightmare may just become reality - rats running around your attic. These rodents often find warmth and shelter in attics across the country, where they nest and reproduce. They may enter through small cracks and gaps as big as a quarter. Once inside the attic, rats will continue to scavenge for food and spaces they can settle in. We probably wouldn’t mind them so much if they didn’t pose a risk to our health. Rat infestations in the attic can affect the indoor air quality and spread diseases around your home, which is why it’s so important to nip their progress in the bud.
Droppings and Urine As Prime Indicators
The first telltale sign you may be dealing with a rat infestation is the presence of rat feces and urine. Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic floor. If you come across rice-sized droppings or small patches of urine you have a problem. No need to panic, though, remember to avoid touching whatever you find with bare hands as you risk bacterial transmission.
Listen For Sounds At Night
Just like most rodents, rats are nocturnal, meaning they look for food and water during the night. If you hear scratching, gnawing, rustling, or squeaking noises inside your home at night there is a good chance you are experiencing a rat infestation. Remember that squirrels aren’t active at night, unlike mice and rats.
Chewed-Up Debris
Rats have incredibly strong teeth. They can chew through wood, metal, and cement with ease. If you have noticed parts of your furniture or insulation have been damaged by what appears to be chewing, inspect your attic thoroughly to ascertain whether you are facing rat infestation.
These are some of the most obvious signs of a rat infestation. It is crucial you act upon these signs as soon as possible, to prevent the infestation from developing. Rats pose a serious health concern to you and your family -make sure your attic always remains rodent-free.