Signs of a Rat Infestation in the Winter
Rats will often move into homes in New York City as the weather cools. Homes offer many hiding places that are warm and safe, and the food inside homes is often more reliable than the food rodents can find outside. Unfortunately, the fact that rats are drawn to small spaces, as well as being generally cautious anyway, can make it difficult to identify when you have a rodent infestation.
It is beneficial to pay attention to the signs that might indicate rats and, if you notice any of these, contact a rodent control company in NYC to investigate further.
Do You Have a Rat Infestation?
Because you may not see rats, it can be helpful to know the signs of rodents that you can look for, including:
- Noises – You may be able to hear rats squeaking or rustling as they move around. The noises will generally get louder in the evening and overnight since the house is quieter and rats are moving around more. It will also be easier to hear noises near where rodents are living, such as in attic or basement spaces, wall voids, or behind appliances or cabinets.
- Droppings – Rodents will leave droppings behind in almost any area they travel to. You can find rat droppings around their nest, but also in your kitchen and pantry. Their droppings are black and about 1/2 inch long. They can also contain bacteria so you should use caution when cleaning up after rats.
- Bad Smells – Since rats will be leaving droppings behind, they will eventually cause your home to start to smell. The odor will be ammonia-like and may not go away even with cleaning since much of the droppings and rodent activity happens in areas you cannot reach.
- Chewing Marks – Rats chew excessively and their gnawing leaves jagged edges which you may find on parts of your home like drywall, pipes, and wood, or on storage containers and boxes in your pantry where they have gotten into your food.
Rats at any time of the year are an unwelcome guest inside your home, but in the winter when you are often spending more time at home, they can be irritating and dangerous. If you notice any of these signs this winter or have spotted a rat, contact Animal Control NYC. Our team can identify where rodents are living, set the traps that will get rid of them, and provide additional services like exclusion and cleanup to return to protect your home against future rodent challenges. Get started with a call to our team.
