Norway rat infestations can get out of hand fast and they can cause havoc in the process, so detecting an infestation early on is very important. In this article, we’re going to go over the signs that you need to keep an eye out for if you suspect that you have a Norway rat infestation.
Droppings
One of the most common ways to identify a Norway rat infestation is by finding droppings. When the infestation is small, these droppings will be fairly rare, and you will be unlikely to find them. However, as the infestation grows, the rats will become more active, and droppings will show up in more and more areas, usually in cupboards, behind furniture, and inside clutter. The droppings will be black and shaped like rice, and they will be grouped together.
If you spot rat droppings, make sure that you wear protective gear when you remove them and that you disinfect the area afterwards, because rats spread several dangerous diseases through their droppings.
Gnaw marks and trails
Norway rats will also leave plenty of marks throughout the home. To start, you will begin to notice gnaw marks, which are made by the rats as they attempt to file down their teeth using various surfaces in the home. These marks may show up on furniture, any wooden surface, and any surface that has a tougher consistency. Rats will also leave trails behind. Their coats are covered in a thin layer of grease, and as they repeatedly use a pathway to travel, the grease will slick onto the surrounding surfaces.
Sounds
Rats, and rodents in general, are most active at night, which is an advantage for you in a way, because you can hear them crawling in the walls if you listen close enough. Sounds like squeaking, gnawing and clawing can be heard during the quiet hours of the night when you have an infestation.
What to do in case of a Norway rat infestation
If you notice any of these signs in your home, it’s essential that you act fast to get the infestation under control. Not only are rats very dangerous because they can spread diseases, they also reproduce very fast, and two rats can turn into a dozen in a matter of weeks. For more information on the signs of a Norway rat infestation, or if you currently have an infestation in the home, contact us today.