We were caught out by a hidden rat infestation in our house which we only discovered after we had moved in. Since then, we have become experts at checking for, and also noticing signs of a rodent infestation in order to make sure we don't suffer any further rat damage and to ensure that the measures we have put in place to get rid of rats have been successful.
I often think back to the information that would have been helpful to us when we were viewing this house, and so if YOU are currently looking to buy a house or you have suspicions that you may be dealing with a rodent issue - here are some things to look out for...
If you prefer to watch a video, you can find a summary of how to spot a rat infestation here:
@arthurwears How to spot a rat infestation when viewing a house: Here are some of the things we have learned since, and wish we’d known at the time. #ratinfestation #ratinfestedhouse #pestcontrol #rats #howtocheckforrodents #rodentcontrol ♬ original sound - Sarah - arthurwears
How to spot a rat infestation:
A rat infestation is not always obvious. Rats are often hidden within walls, under floors, in drain pipes or loft spaces.
Rats are nocturnal and come out at night which is when you’re most likely to hear them - unless there are lots of them and the nests are becoming full and then you may also see them during the day!
How to smell a rat:
There are different smells associated with rats:
- Rat urine has an ammonia type smell
- Rats themselves give of a really strong, heady, musky type of smell which is quite unpleasant
- Decaying rats start off like cabbage and get steadily stronger and much more unpleasant
- Rat droppings (poo) just basically stinks, especially if it gets wet!
That being said, you may not notice any of these smells within a general living area - the best thing to do is open cupboards that are low down in areas like the kitchen and try to have a look near the kick boards in a kitchen if possible!
Visible signs of a rat infestation within a house:
- There can be chew marks on wood - especially entrance holes
- Grease marks from their fur may be visible near points of ingress or along the bottom edge of walls
- Wire wool is used to seal up rat holes - after moving in to our house I noticed this in the vents of the kitchen kick boards which would have been a very obvious tell tale sign of a previous rat issue that the owners were aware of.
Signs of a rat infestation in a loft:
Do try to look in the loft yourself if you’re not afraid of heights like me! Key things to notice in loft spaces:
- A smell (see above)
- Track marks and footprints in the insulation
- Droppings! Rat droppings are larger than mice and are usually pointed at one end
- Chew marks in the wooden beams
- Chewed electrical wires (if these are visible)
Signs of a rat infestation from outside the house:
- Have a look around the perimeter of a house for any possible points of ingress - any holes larger than a 50p coin can be accessed by rats and they can chew through almost anything.
- Risk factors for rats are very overgrown gardens, particularly if the foliage is around the perimeter of the house or really close to the house.
- Compost bins, especially near the house can cause as issue, bird feeders or any food left out for animals can attract rats.
If you’re viewing an older house and have any doubts at all, I’d actually consider taking a pest controller with you to do a check, and it’s also worth looking into a drainage survey too. Lots of rat damage can be hidden within walls and floors
Questions to ask when viewing a house:
Always ask the question directly via your solicitor to the vendor:
"Have you ever had or do you currently have any issues with rodents, and if so, which ones?"
" Have you ever put measured in place to treat a rodent infestation?"
A rat infestation does not have to be disclosed unless you specifically ask the question. We didn't ask for enough information and simply asked about rodents and were told about a lone squirrel years ago. Confirm that any rodent they name is the only issue they have had and get this in writing!!
If you would like to see some images of the rat damage we found in our house after moving in, you can watch this video:
@arthurwears Replying to @SaphJos Here are some photos of some of the damage and signs of the rat infestation. All sorted now thankfully! #ratinfestation #ratinfestationsign #rodentsigns ♬ take a moment to breathe. - normal the kid
Are you wondering how to get rid of a rat infestation? Here you can find some of the things you need in order to deter rats or get rid of them and how to get rid of the rat smell!