Professional Rat Control In Ashton upon Mersey

Rats are medium-sized, long-tailed rodents belonging to the superfamily Muroidea. In the UK, two primary species are cause for concern: the Brown Rat and the Black Rat.

While these nocturnal creatures are rarely seen, their presence often leaves clear indicators.

How to Spot Signs of Rats

Look out for these tell-tale signs:

• Droppings: Brown rat droppings are typically rectangular with blunt ends and found in clusters, whereas black rat droppings are scattered, pointed, and sausage-shaped. A single rat can produce around 40 droppings daily. Moist, dark droppings suggest a recent presence.
• Scratching Noises: Black rats, often called “roof rats,” are agile climbers that frequently infest roofs, rafters, and attics. Scratching sounds from these areas after dark may signal their activity. Brown rats, however, can be identified by grinding or chattering noises as they move beneath decking and floorboards.
• Footprints, Tail Swipes, and Smears: Rat footprints (four-toed front, five-toed back) and tail marks are most visible in dusty or muddy spots. A flashlight held at a low angle can help reveal these tracks. Rats also leave dark grey “smears” – marks left by their fur rubbing repeatedly against surfaces. While smears can persist, they are not always reliable indicators of an active infestation.
• Running Tracks: Rats tend to use the same routes daily, leaving greasy marks along walls, floorboards, and worn paths in grass and low vegetation.
• Burrows: Brown rats are adept at digging intricate tunnel systems. Their entrance holes (70-120mm in diameter) can be found in grassy banks, under tree roots, and near paving and drain covers.
• Nests: Black rat nests are often located indoors, in lofts, attics, under floorboards, and other dark, undisturbed areas.
• Gnawing: Look for gnaw marks on electrical cables, pipework, wooden fixtures, and plastic garbage cans. Rats typically leave large, rough tooth marks.