When You Should Call Pest Control for Rats

 

You should call pest control for rats as soon as you see any clear sign of their presence, not just when you see the animals themselves. Waiting can let a small problem become a large and expensive infestation. Some signs you need professional help include seeing rat droppings, hearing scampering or gnawing sounds (especially at night), finding chewed wires or food packages, seeing greasy marks on walls (from rats’ oily fur), smelling a strong musky odor, or spotting nests made from shredded materials. If you notice even one of these warning signals and can’t stop the problem yourself quickly, it’s the right time to call pest control.

 

Why Acting Fast Matters

 

Rats are fast breeders. A pair can turn into dozens within weeks under the right conditions. This means that a minor issue can spread throughout your entire home or business quickly. Rats cause more than just fear—they can:

• Damage your property by chewing wires, insulation, pipes, and wood, which can even lead to fires and floods.
• Contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine, leading to food poisoning.
• Carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and hantavirus, which can be dangerous to humans and pets.

Ignoring rats or only using store-bought traps almost never solves a full infestation, because rats hide, breed quickly, and often become trap-shy.

 

Key Signs You Need Professional Pest Control

 

• You see any actual rats—even just one—inside your home, attic, basement, or business. Rats are nocturnal and secretive; seeing one often means more are hidden nearby.
• You find droppings (dark, pellet-shaped, usually found along walls, behind appliances, or in cupboards).
• You notice damaged food packaging or chewed materials in your kitchen, pantry, or storage areas.
• You hear scratching, knocking, or running noises in the walls, ceilings, or under floors, especially at night.
• You spot greasy smudge marks along walls or baseboards. Rats make these marks as their fur rubs against surfaces.
• You smell a musky, ammonia-like odor. This comes from rat urine and is strongest where rats nest.
• You discover shredded paper, fabric, or insulation used to build nests.
• Your own prevention efforts (sealing holes, setting traps, or using store-bought baits) are not stopping the activity or it returns after a short break.

 

What to Expect From a Professional Pest Control Visit

 

Professional pest control specialists will:

• Inspect your entire property to find all problem areas, nests, and entry points rats use.
• Identify what species of rat is causing the problem (roof rats, Norway rats, etc.), since treatment differs.
• Use safer, more effective methods including commercial-grade baits and traps unavailable to the public.
• Help seal up (rat-proof) your home or business to prevent future infestations.
• Recommend or provide cleanup for droppings, nests, and odors (essential to prevent disease and further infestations).

In most cases, some follow-up visits will be needed to make absolutely sure all rats are gone.

 

If Prevention Is Possible Without Professional Help

 

If you have not seen any of the signs above and just want to prevent rats, simple steps include:

• Sealing up tiny holes and gaps around your home’s foundation, walls, and roof with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh. Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter!
• Keeping food—including pet food—in sealed containers.
• Cleaning up crumbs and not leaving dishes or garbage out overnight.
• Removing piles of clutter, debris, or stacked firewood near your home, which rats love to hide in.
• Trimming back overgrown plants away from your walls.

If despite prevention, any warning signs occur, don’t delay in calling a professional.