Professional Rat Control In Aspull

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

Although rats are primarily nocturnal and thus rarely seen, evidence of their presence can be readily identified.

Indicators of Rat Activity:

The following signs can indicate a rat infestation:

Rat Droppings – Brown rat droppings are typically rectangular with blunt ends and are often found in clusters. Black rat droppings, conversely, are scattered and sausage-shaped with pointed ends. A single rat can produce approximately 40 droppings per day. Moist, dark droppings suggest recent activity.

Scratching Noises – Black rats, also known as roof rats, are adept climbers and frequently infest roofs, rafters, and attics. Therefore, scratching noises emanating from these areas after dusk may signal their presence. Brown rats are often detected by grinding or chattering sounds 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 environments. These tracks can be identified using a strong flashlight directed at a low angle. Rats also leave dark grey smears on surfaces where their fur repeatedly brushes against, though these marks may persist for some time and do not necessarily indicate an active infestation.

Running Tracks – Rats tend to follow consistent routes, leaving greasy marks along walls and floorboards, and worn paths in grass and low vegetation.

Burrows – Burrows are holes in soil or concrete, ranging from one to four inches in width, with smooth edges. Brown rats are skilled excavators of complex tunnel systems, with entrance holes (70-120mm in diameter) commonly found in grassy banks, under tree roots, and at the edges of paving and drain covers.

Nests – Black rat nests are typically located indoors, including lofts, attics, under floorboards, and other dark, less frequently disturbed areas.

Gnawing – Gnaw marks can be observed on electrical cables, pipework, wooden fixtures, and plastic garbage cans. Rats typically leave large, coarse teeth marks.