Few pest problems cause as much worry as rats. They are quick to breed, destructive to property and a genuine risk to health – up to 60% of rats carry potentially lethal diseases. Whether you run a busy commercial kitchen or simply want to keep your family home safe, knowing the early warning signs is the best way to stop a small problem becoming a serious infestation.
In this guide, the team at Principal Environmental share the tell-tale signs of rats, the risks they pose, and when it is time to call in a professional.
How do I know if I have rats?
Besides actually seeing a rat, there are several clues that often give them away. You may notice that stock or goods have been damaged, with obvious signs of gnawing on packaging, doors and skirting boards. Rats also carry a protective coating of grease on their bodies, and as they brush against walls and surfaces they leave a dark smear behind. Because they tend to follow the same path over and over, these marks build up along what is known as a “rat run”.
Common signs of rats in a home or business
- Damaged goods or stock
- Gnawed woodwork, particularly doors and skirting boards
- Droppings around 1–2cm long and sausage shaped
- A strong, distinctive smell similar to ammonia, often noticeable in enclosed spaces
- Greasy smear marks along walls and skirting where rats travel
Why rats are a serious health risk
Rats are far more than a nuisance. Up to 60% carry diseases such as Weil’s Disease, and they can spread infections including Salmonella and Hantavirus. They urinate every 15 to 20 minutes, and because the underside of a rat becomes soaked in urine, contamination is dragged across food preparation surfaces, stock and any other area the rat travels – spreading bacteria as it goes.
The damage rats can cause
When awake, rats spend up to 40% of their time gnawing, and their teeth are sharp enough to cut through electric cables, plastic, wood and even mild steel. The consequences range from structural damage and ruined stock to compromised fire-alarm systems. For a business the stakes are higher still: a serious infestation can force a temporary closure of two to three weeks, lead to legal action for failing health and safety standards, and cause lasting damage to reputation.
Don’t forget the smaller cousins: mice
Where there are rats, mice are often not far behind – and they bring many of the same problems on a smaller scale. Mice breed rapidly, gnaw constantly to keep their teeth in check, and can squeeze through the tiniest of gaps. If you hear scratching in the attic at night or find droppings that look like grains of rice, it is worth reading our advice on mouse control and prevention.
Year-round pest protection
Rats and mice may be the most common rodents we deal with, but a complete pest management plan looks at the whole picture. In the warmer months, flying insects become the main concern: fly control and prevention is essential in food and hospitality settings, while wasp control and nest removal keeps gardens, premises and customers safe through the summer. A live wasp nest can contain several hundred wasps, so it should never be approached or disturbed.
Time for action
The sooner a rat problem is tackled, the easier and cheaper it is to resolve. Principal Environmental provides professional rat control and prevention for domestic, commercial and industrial customers across Ireland, backed by a 24/7 call-answering service so there is always someone to help.
For expert advice or to put a pest control management system in place, contact our team or call the branch nearest you:
- East: (01) 493 9007
- West: (096) 579 97
- South: (091) 399 007