3 days ago
The 4 lesser-known signs you could have a rat infestation in your home
After the discovery of a supersized rat in the UK, there's signs to watch out for that could indicate you have unwanted houseguests
With fears of a rising rat population and the discovery of a potentially r ecord-breaking sized rodent in the UK this week, one health and safety expert has shared four signs that you may have the creatures in your home.
A rat measuring 22 inches from nose to tail was found in a property in North Yorkshire by a pest controller. It's thought to be the biggest in the country and locals in the Normanby area of Redcar and Cleveland have blamed cuts to pest control services.
There are more sightings of rats across both suburban and urban areas of the UK than before and one health and safety expert is warning that many people won't spot signs of them until it's already a serious problem.
Derek Hales from SMSTS Course has decades of experience of working on-site where pest risks are higher.
He said: "Rats don't knock – they sneak in. And by the time you see one, you're likely dealing with several.
"But in homes and businesses, it's often the small, strange signs that people overlook.'
He has highlighted four of the lesser-known signs that you may have a rodent problem.
1. Greasy smudge marks on skirting boards
Rats tend to run the same routes over and over – their fur leaves oily trails along walls.
2. Chewed cables in lofts or underfloor voids
Derek said: 'This is a big one we see on construction sites and homes alike – it's not just a nuisance, it's a fire risk."
3. Hollow-sounding plasterboard
Rats can burrow through internal walls, and their tunnelling can make walls or floors sound different when knocked.
4. Unusual pet behaviour
'If your dog or cat is suddenly obsessed with a spot in the wall or floor, don't ignore it,' says Derek. 'They often notice things before we do.'
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In recent years, sightings of 'cat-sized' rats have made headlines – and Hales says it's not an exaggeration.
'We're seeing rats regularly exceeding 40cm from nose to tail,' he admitted. 'They're well-fed, well-sheltered, and becoming bolder.'
According to Hales, several modern lifestyle habits are contributing to their size. Food waste and littering is one factor. Derek said: "Bins overflowing with food scraps or poorly stored takeaways give rats an endless buffet. The more food available, the bigger they grow.."
Compost heaps and bird feeders are another attraction for them. He said: "These attract rats even in rural gardens. Bird seed and kitchen scraps are high-calorie fuel."
And milder winters experienced in the UK is another reason. Derek added: "Climate shifts mean fewer rats are dying off in cold months, allowing larger ones to survive and breed."
He warns that the bigger the rat, the more damage it can do – particularly to insulation, wiring and internal structures.
While many assume rats only enter through open doors or bins, the most common entry points are more surprising:
Drain pipes and toilet systems: 'Rats are excellent swimmers. If there's a break in your pipework or your toilet isn't sealed properly, they can come up the pipes.'
Air bricks and broken vents: Rats only need a gap the size of a thumb to squeeze through.
Gaps under kitchen units: Even new-builds can have unfinished spaces behind cupboards that rats love to nest in.
There are several things you can do to prevent them entering your home, however.
Firstly use wire mesh on any external openings, especially around vents and pipe outlets.
Check your garden as overgrown plants, compost piles and bird tables and feeders can be a draw to rats.
If you do find you have a rat issue, Derek advises against relying on poison alone. He said: "If you're seeing droppings or hearing noises, get professional advice. Laying poison might kill one – but it doesn't stop them getting in."
