Do I have rats?
In the initial weeks of having rats, you may not even notice they are there! Here are some of the critical signs to look out for that point to increasing rat activity and potential rat control issues:
- You might notice unusual burrows or signs of digging in the garden or near utility lines.
- Marks on electrical wires and woodwork, or small holes in hidden places from the gnawing of sharp teeth.
- Missing food, including pet food—rats will eat almost anything once they find food and water sources.
- A strange smell that could point to dead rats or active nests.
- Shuffling or scratching noise at night from walls, attics, or small spaces.
- Greasy or damp-looking rubbing marks – this is where the rodent has pressed against the wall.
- Rat droppings or dried yellow patches on the floor.
These are the classic warning signs, and at the first sign of rat behavior, you can call SWAT Wildlife to complete an inspection.
The smell is one of the indicators of rats. Rats are carriers of serious diseases and germs and will urinate and defecate as they please. In a brief period, this will begin to smell musky, especially if there are dead animals within your walls.
Rats will nest behind your walls, and you may even hear squeaking. Most often, when you have a rat infestation in your home, you will hear scratching noises. The louder and more apparent the noise, the larger your rat infestation is likely to be.
Rats are also just as likely to eat fruit as they are meat. Once they find a reliable food source, they will return time and again. Rats will contaminate food, pet bowls, and surfaces throughout your house.
What are some of the diseases rats carry?
- Leptospirosis
- Tularemia
- Salmonella
- Hantavirus
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
These can cause extreme illness, breathing difficulties, nausea, and diarrhea, to name a few. Exposure to rat droppings, urine, or nesting materials increases the risk significantly. Rats are known to spread diseases in homes and businesses alike.
A single brown rat can produce between 20–40 droppings per day, meaning multiple rats will leave hundreds all over your house. This is not just a pest problem—it’s a safety concern.
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What is the difference between a rat and a mouse?
It can be tricky to tell the difference between rats and mice if you only see them in the dark.
- Rats grow a lot larger than mice and maybe as large as 15 inches.
- Mice usually reach a maximum of 8 inches.
- Mice have longer whiskers and a more triangular snout.
- Rat tails are hairless and scaly-looking
- Mice have more prominent ears than rats and a thinner tail.
In Canada, the two most common species are the Norway rat (also known as the brown rat) and the roof rat (also called the black rat). They differ in behavior, nesting habits, and even how they enter your home:
- Norway rats are bulkier, with blunt noses, small ears, and tails shorter than their bodies. These rats are strong burrowers and prefer to nest in basements, crawlspaces, and lower levels of a building.
- Roof rats are slimmer, have larger ears, and tails longer than their heads and bodies combined. As expert climbers, they’re commonly found nesting in attics, ceilings, and upper floors, often accessing homes via trees, vines, or utility lines.
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with rats or house mice, SWAT Wildlife also offers expert mice removal for full-spectrum pest control services.
What information can I give a rat exterminator?
The information that you give your rat exterminator is essential. Once you realize you have rats, then start to gather information. Here is some critical information that will help facilitate the rat removal process.
Where?
Where in your home do you hear the most noise? Can you locate a potent musky smell? Where does it seem to emanate from?
Also, consider all the areas of your home that might make an excellent home for a rat. Crawlspace, lofts, inner wall spaces, garages, pantries, and more. These key areas can be a safe space for rats.
When?
Carefully consider how long you think you may have been having your rat infestation in your home. Did you notice signs of chewing on your cables? A musky smell in a particular area? This information can be essential and help SWAT Wildlife estimate how many rats you may have.
What is the treatment for rat infestation?
Many people try to handle a rat infestation themselves. While catching one or two rats is possible, an actual infestation must be handled carefully by trained professionals. Your home will likely have several entry and exit points the rats use to gain access. Unfortunately, catching one or two will not remove an infestation, as rats breed very quickly—giving birth to litters in just weeks.
Many homeowners make the mistake of using poison. Not only is rat poison dangerous to your children and pets, but if a rat dies between the walls, it will decompose in areas you cannot reach. This will worsen the odor and attract other pests.
- A property inspection will allow exterminators to locate the nest and pinpoint the entry points used by the rodents. Using targeted and environmentally friendly methods, SWAT Wildlife will seal up access areas and lay appropriate traps such as snap traps or bait stations.
- Using targeted and environmentally friendly methods, SWAT Wildlife will seal up entry points and lay traps.
- SWAT Wildlife will use the most suitable approach to manage your rat infestation. These methods include bait, traps, exclusion, and full dead rat removal if required.
- We provide our clients with a written warranty that guarantees our work.
SWAT Wildlife provides a complete solution for rat infestations in urban areas. Get your rat infestation under control by contacting SWAT Wildlife for rat removal today!
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