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How do I know if there are rats?

Rats are cunning pests that often stay hidden, which can make it difficult to detect them before the problem has become serious. But there are certain signs you can look out for that could indicate that rats have found their way into your home or property. It is important to act quickly if you suspect rat activity, as they can cause major damage and pose a health risk. Here are some of the most common signs that rats may be nearby:

1

Rat droppings

One of the most obvious indicators of rats is excrement. Rats often leave behind small, dark feces balls that resemble raisins or rice grains, and they can be found near their nests, food sources, or along their routes. The excrement is usually 1-2 cm long and is scattered in larger quantities if there is a serious infestation.
Check areas such as kitchens, basements, attics and along the walls where rats often roam. If you find fresh excrement, it is usually soft, while old excrement becomes hard and dry.
2

Gnawing marks

Rats need to constantly wear down their teeth, as they grow about 14 cm per year! Therefore, they gnaw on almost everything – from wood and plastic to electrical wires and furniture. If you notice unexpected damage to your belongings, furniture, or building structures, it could be a sign of rat activity.
Check especially along walls, on electrical wires or near pipe installations where rats often roam. New rodent tags will typically have a lighter color, while older tags are darker. See an example of rot sign signs on this sewer pipe in the picture.
3

Sounds in walls or ceilings

Rats are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night. If you hear scraping, scratching, or rustling noises in walls, ceilings, or under floors, it may indicate that rats are moving around your home. The sounds can range from small steps to louder crunches if they gnaw on something. If you hear the sounds at night, it may be the rats looking for food or building nests.
4

Odors

A strong and unpleasant smell can be one of the earliest signs of rats, especially if they are hiding somewhere out of sight. Rats leave behind a distinctive, ammonia-like odour that tends to become stronger as their presence increases. The smell may spread from concealed areas such as wall cavities, lofts, basements, or behind cupboards and appliances. If you notice a persistent, sharp smell that cannot be explained by other sources, it may indicate urine, droppings, or even dead rats. A particularly intense odour often suggests an advanced infestation that requires prompt attention.
5

Nests and materials

Rats build nests using any materials they can find, from paper, insulation, and fabric to plant debris and cardboard. Their nests are often hidden away in quiet, undisturbed places such as lofts, crawl spaces, storage areas, basements, or behind heavy furniture. A rat’s nest typically appears as a tangled bundle of soft materials, often accompanied by droppings and gnaw marks nearby. If you discover messy piles of shredded material that seem out of place, it may be a sign of nest-building. Finding a nest is a clear indication of active rat presence, and often suggests there may be several more in the area.
6

Small, greasy traces along the walls

Rats have poor eyesight and often navigate along walls and solid objects to find their way. When they repeatedly move along the same routes, they leave small greasy traces that originate from the rat's urine, sewage water and grease from the fur. These traces can be seen as dark lines along walls, floors or other surfaces where the rats have been.
7

Seen a live or dead rat

It goes without saying, but seeing a live or dead rat is the most obvious sign of a rat problem. Although rats typically avoid contact with humans, a growing rat problem could mean that you encounter them more often. A dead rat can also indicate that there are several in the area that may be hidden in walls, ceilings, or under floors.
8

Holes and tunnels

Rats are known to dig tunnels and make holes to access food or build nests. If you see small holes along the plinth of your home, in the garden or in the basement, it could be a sign that rats have dug in. Also check areas near garbage cans, garages or outbuildings where the rats may have found an access way into the building.
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Here is an example of gnawing marks from rats on a sewer pipe

Here is an example of the holes and tunnels that rats can make

What do you do if you see signs of rats?

If you notice any of the above signs, it is important to act quickly. Rats can quickly multiply and spread diseases, so it’s crucial to get a handle on the problem before it escalates. You can start by:

  • Report your observation to the municipality: It is mandatory to report rat sightings to the municipal rat exterminator. You can do that here.
  • Find and block access routes: Check your home for cracks, holes, or openings where rats can enter and seal them. This also applies to the sewer, where 90% of all rats on the surface originate.
  • Remove food sources: Make sure food is stored in tight-fitting containers, and avoid leaving behind any food scraps or waste that could attract rats.
  • Contact a professional pest controller: If you suspect or confirm rat activity, a pest controller can help assess the problem and eradicate the rats effectively.

Being aware of early signs of rat activity can help prevent the problem from getting worse. Therefore, keep an eye out for these warning signs so that you can protect your home and family from the damage and diseases that rats can cause.