When the mercury on the thermometer starts to plunge, rats are forced to flee their natural habitats to seek shelter from the elements and places such as your home or office provides the perfect resource. 

While many homeowners and businesses think their pest control problems are over when the winter arrives, the reality is, rat problems may get worse. Unlike many other insects and rodents, rats do not hibernate during the winter months. They are survival machines and their winter habits remain largely consistent. In order to survive the harsh conditions, rats need warmth and if the conditions in your home or office are hospitable, they will likely infest your space. 

Signs of Rat Infestation

Below are four common signs to look out for that will help you determine if you have a rat infestation: 

  • Scratching Noises
    Rats are incredible climbers and are small enough to burrow their way into your home or office through any narrow space. When they find an opening, rats can often be heard scurrying under the floorboards, in the walls, attic, and basement. Rats have sharp claws that scrape the floor beneath them as they move. Listen for scratching noises caused by their claws as it may be a sign that a furry pest has moved in for the winter.
  • Nesting Materials
    Rats use any materials they can access, such as scraps of paper, cardboard, plant material, insulation, trash etc, to make their nests. Look out for piles made out of these materials. Nests are typically located close to a food source. Check behind and under large appliances such as fridges and freezers.
  • Rat Droppings
    Finding droppings around your home or office is a sure sign that rats are present. Rat droppings are typically 1 cm or larger, however, varying feces sizes may be an indication of a larger infestation.
  • Damage
    Rats have teeth that grow continuously. They need to gnaw on wood, plastic, and food packaging, to keep them trim. Look out for gnawed rat holes are large, which have rough edges and are about the size of a quarter.

What to do if you have a rat infestation?

Rats are dirty animals that often bring diseases, bacteria and other harmful things into your home or office. They bite, they cause damage to your property, and they multiply. Once a rat has infested your space, they begin reproducing in abundant numbers. Females birth up to six litters of five to twelve rat pups per year, spreading even more viruses and harmful bacteria throughout your space.

The best thing to do if you think you might have a rat infestation is to call a professional exterminator right away. Action pest has been removing rat infestations from homes and offices for over 40 years. We are experts in determining where your rat problem is coming from and exterminating them from the premises. 

We not only rid you of your rat problem, but we also ensure that the rats will no longer return once they have been cleared out!

Call us today. We are here to help!