Rat Pest Control in Essex

Signs of rats

Rats are one of the most common pests seen in the UK, and if you haven’t had them in your home or business premises, you will probably know someone who has! One of the keys to stopping a rat infestation in its tracks and preventing any large-scale damage is to be vigilant and keep your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. Some of the most common signs of a rat problem within a property are:

• Droppings: these are dark in colour and are about the same size as a grain of rice. You will usually find them in concentrated amounts, making them quite easy to spot.
• Bite marks: rats’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, so they will chew on things to keep them filed down. So be sure to keep an eye out for bite marks on any materials, as they will chew on anything.
• Sounds: rats are nocturnal, which does give humans an advantage. They will be awake at night, when a property is likely to be quieter. They are most often heard in walls and underneath floorboards.
• Trails: if there is an area in your home you suspect rats are using as a thoroughfare, try the age-old trick of sprinkling some flour on the floor or surfaces. If your instincts are correct, you will see their footprints come morning.
• Nests: rats are highly resourceful, and will use a wide range of household materials to make their nests. They favour materials such as loft insulation and cardboard, although anything soft enough to shred will do. Nests are most commonly found in lofts, attics, under eaves and cavity walls.