Attics are often neglected. It’s probably not a space you visit that often other than to store unwanted items. As such, the attic can make a nice dry home for rats and other pests. Most people have no idea their attic has turned into a pest hotel until they begin to hear strange noises. If you suspect rats have moved in upstairs, read on for a few tell-tale warning signs, as well as some advice on what to do next.
Scratching Sounds
Rats are usually active at night. You go to bed, and they wake up for a night of partying. When rats live outside, we don’t tend to see them unless there are significant numbers, but when rats have taken up residence in your attic, you will definitely hear their antics.
Be alert for scratching sounds as they move around, gnawing noises as they chew timber, wiring, and anything else you have up there. One thing you won’t hear is squeaks, so if you do hear squeaks, it is more likely to be mice in your attic. No less annoying but possibly less terrifying if you have a rat phobia.
Signs of Chewing
Go up into the attic (if you’re feeling brave!) and look closely at timbers, boxes, and cabling. Look for teeth marks in the attic.
Electrical Problems
Rats chew on anything and everything, and they are particularly drawn to electrical cabling, although experts don’t know why. If you are suffering from electrical problems, this is a sign that something is chewing on cables – most likely rats if you spot other signs of habitation.
Rat Nests
Rats make nests for breeding purposes and they will happily chew and shred paper, fabric, wood, loft insulation, and anything else at hand to build soft nests. Look for signs of shredded material and examine dark nooks and crannies to see if you can spot any nests.
Rat Droppings
Rat droppings are dark brown and spindle-shaped, no bigger than a grain of rice. Where rats go, their droppings follow. If you spot rat droppings in the attic, or worse, in your house, rats are living nearby. Rats will seek out food sources, so the kitchen is a primary target. Make sure all food is kept in sealed containers if you think you might have a rat infestation.
Greasy Marks
Look for greasy marks along walls and other surfaces. Rats usually travel along perimeters as a safety strategy, and when they rub their bodies against these surfaces, they leave dark, greasy marks.
What to Do Next
Rats typically move into attics when there is easy access via holes in the roof. Don’t try and deal with the problem yourself. Call a pest removal San Diego service. They can remove the pests safely and seal your attic so that you don’t have any more issues. Look for a service that offers a warranty against future infestations for extra peace of mind.
Always check out any strange sounds from the attic. Pests can cause a lot of damage and if you don’t deal with the problem soon, you could end up with a massive repair bill.
Sunil Chandel
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