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How to Identify a Rat Problem

If you think you have a rat problem, it is important to act quickly. Rats can spread disease, contaminate food and pet feed, and damage your home. They are most active at night, so you may never actually see one, but they leave plenty of evidence behind.

Knowing the early signs of rats means you can call a professional before the problem escalates - rats breed extremely quickly, so what starts as one or two can become an infestation within weeks.

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Rat Droppings - The Clearest Sign

Rat droppings are the most reliable indicator of an infestation. A single rat produces up to 40 droppings a night, usually concentrated in the same areas - under sinks, in lofts, behind appliances, inside cupboards or near rubbish bins.

Brown rat droppings are dark brown, pointed, and roughly the size of a grain of rice. If droppings are larger than the typical mouse droppings (around rice-grain size or bigger), it is most likely rats.

Other Ways to Identify Rats

SightingsRats are generally nocturnal, but if disturbed you may see one during the day. A daytime sighting usually means a heavy infestation
Grease MarksDark grease marks along walls and skirting boards where rats run their established routes through your home
FootprintsFoot and tail marks in dust. Sprinkle fine flour or talc in suspected areas and check the next day for fresh tracks
Scratching SoundsListen at night for scurrying in walls, lofts and under floorboards. A teeth-grinding noise (called bruxing) is another giveaway
Bite MarksRats gnaw constantly to file their ever-growing teeth - look for marks on wood, plastic, metal and even concrete
BurrowsBrown rats burrow next to solid structures like decking, sheds and garages for nesting, shelter and food storage

What To Do Next

  • Act fast - rats breed rapidly and spread disease
  • Do not approach a rat directly - they bite when cornered
  • Avoid DIY poisons that put pets and children at risk
  • Call a RSPH (BPCA) Level 2 certified technician for a same-day survey

Health Risks From Rats

  • Weil's disease, Salmonella and Leptospirosis
  • Contamination through droppings, urine and hair
  • Bites can transmit infection
  • Damage to wiring, insulation and structural timbers

Find Out More

Rat Control Services → How to Deter Rats →
Reviewed by our experts
Roy Couch
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Roy Couch, Technician Manager

Roy Couch is the Technician Manager at JG Pest Control, leading the technician team across the UK. He holds the BPCA Diploma and the RSPH Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Aluminium Phosphide, and is qualified in the Safe Use of Rodenticides.

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Peter Bowers-Davis
Technically reviewed by
Peter Bowers-Davis, Non-Executive Director, BPCA

Peter Bowers-Davis is a board volunteer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the UK trade body for professional pest management. He works across the Tyro UK group of companies, including JG, setting technical standards, treatment protocols and training programmes.

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