Discovering a rat infestation in your home or business can be distressing and their ability to chew through all sorts of materials (even some types of steel!) means they are also destructive, unwanted guests. 

Rats are often carriers of diseases and bacteria, so it is important you address the pests in your home or garden as soon as possible.

This complete guide will help you identify, locate and get rid of rats from your home or business. We cover DIY solutions along with steps to take and when you should involve professional pest control.

Finding the signs of a rat infestation

Rats are often carriers of diseases and bacteria, so it is important you address the pests in your home or garden as soon as possible. Rats also act as carriers for ticks and fleas which can easily make the jump to household pets, meaning you might also have to get rid of fleas from your home.

Quickly finding and tracking down the rats will help you to easily get rid of rats fast. These tell-tale signs are an easy way to identify any rats that might be lurking around your property.

Rat droppings

Probably the first sign you’ll notice, rat droppings are easily identifiable and can be found scattered inside or outside, often in areas where the rats pass through the most. They are small, dark pellets around 1mm long.