Rats are sneaky, unwelcome intruders that can turn your cozy apartment into their personal playground. If you’ve been hearing mysterious noises or noticing strange signs around your space, it’s worth investigating further. Here are the telltale signs that rats might have moved in.
A Foul Smell
One of the first indicators of a rat problem is an unpleasant, persistent odour. At first, you might blame it on forgotten trash, but as the smell lingers, it becomes clear something else is causing it. The musky scent often comes from a mix of droppings, fur, and even decomposing rats, making it hard to ignore.
Mysterious Noises
That late-night skittering or rustling you hear isn’t your upstairs neighbour—it’s likely rats. These nocturnal creatures are most active at night and early in the morning, so any persistent sounds from walls, ceilings, or floors during these times could point to a rodent problem.
Chewed Holes
Rats are relentless gnawers. To keep their teeth in check, they chew on hard objects like wood, drywall, and even plastic. This behavior can leave your ceilings, walls, and food containers riddled with small holes. If you notice gnaw marks or find food packaging torn apart, it’s time to inspect your apartment for other signs of infestation.
Nests in Hidden Spaces
Rats are resourceful nest builders. They’ll use insulation, paper, sawdust, twigs, and anything else they can find to create cozy nests. Common nesting spots include cabinets, behind furniture, empty drawers, and under sinks. If you spot shredded materials in any of these areas, it’s a strong sign you have unwanted guests.
Droppings and Food Trails
Rat droppings are one of the most obvious signs of an infestation. These droppings, about the size of raisins, can be found in small piles around your apartment. Rats are also messy eaters, often leaving crumbs, shells, or food scraps behind. If your food has been mysteriously disappearing, you might just find evidence of their midnight snacks.
What to Do Next
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s essential to act quickly to address the problem. Contact your landlord to report the issue and make arrangements for professional pest control services to safely and effectively remove the rats from your home.
Rats might be clever, but with the right steps, you can outsmart them and reclaim your space.
