Rats cause more than noise. They gnaw, contaminate and breed quickly, which is why a few signs in the loft or garden deserve a prompt response.
Night-time scratching in the walls or loft, droppings along skirting boards, gnawed packaging, greasy marks along walls and burrows in the garden are the usual early signs. Pets reacting to something in a corner or under a shed can be another. Rats are cautious, so by the time you notice any of these there has often been activity for some time.
Rats' teeth never stop growing, so they gnaw constantly to wear them down. Wood, plastic, lead pipe and soft mortar are all vulnerable. An unexplained electrical fault after noises in the roof deserves checking by a qualified electrician.
Rats can spread bacteria through droppings, urine and by walking over food and surfaces. Leptospirosis, sometimes called Weil's disease, can be spread through water or soil contaminated with rat urine, which is one reason to wear gloves and wash hands after gardening or cleaning near a suspected infestation. Most people are not harmed, but the risk is real enough to take care, especially around food preparation areas.
Gardens with bird feeders, compost heaps and open bins can support rats close to the house. Burrows near drains may hint at a damaged pipe, which gives them a route into the system. Pets that catch rats can be exposed to the risk of illness, and secondary poisoning is also possible where bait has been used.
One reason to act quickly is breeding. Rats mature quickly and produce several litters in a year, so a small group becomes a large one faster than people expect. Repairs to wiring, insulation and structure cost far more than early treatment would have.
Rats outdoors can be as much of a worry as those indoors. Burrows beside patios or garage walls, gnawed bin bags and holes in compost heaps often come first. These may lead to the house later, particularly when the weather turns colder. If you keep chickens, rabbits or feed birds, take extra care with food storage, because stored feed is an obvious draw. Checking the garden regularly means you spot activity before it reaches the building. Take photographs of any damage you find before repairs begin, in case an insurer or landlord asks for evidence. Kitchens and utility rooms deserve a particular look, since warmth, food and pipework make them attractive, and the gap behind a cooker or washing machine often goes unchecked for years.
If you have noticed these signs, call 0113 347 0014 or message us on WhatsApp for a free quote.
They may. Rats gnaw cables, and exposed wiring is a risk. It is not common, but it is a reason to have unexplained faults checked, especially after noises in the loft or walls. A qualified electrician can inspect the wiring. Your electrician can advise.
They can be. Rats may spread bacteria and parasites, and bait used to control them can harm pets and children. Keep children and animals away from droppings, burrows and bait stations, and ask for advice on how treatment will be carried out.
Wear disposable gloves, place the body in a sealed bag, put it in an outdoor bin and wash your hands thoroughly. Clean the area with household disinfectant. If you find several, tell your pest controller, as it can help show where activity is.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. There are no call-out charges and surveys are free for homes and businesses.
