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5 Signs You Might Have a Rat Problem in Your Santa Monica Home

Watching a rat scurrying across your kitchen or living room floor is far more than a scary, unpleasant sight. 

The presence of one or more of these critters in your home could signify something much worse; an underlying infestation. 

A rat infestation in your Santa Monica home can be destructive. These pests can destroy your household items due to their gnawing habits, resulting in costly repairs. 

Besides, rodents spread several dangerous diseases, ranging from hantavirus and leptospirosis to tularemia and Salmonella. 

This article will discuss 5 Signs You might have a rat problem, indicating when you should call in the pest experts. 

Read on to learn more!

Telltale Signs that You Might Have Rats

Even though rats are nocturnal creatures, being most active at night, they leave several telltale signs. 

A proactive approach to keep these pests out of your home can prevent a widespread infestation, saving you from a lot of hassle down the road. 

The following are some evident signs of rats in your Santa Monica home look for if you suspect an infestation:

Droppings

Rat droppings are typically dark brown and cylindrical in shape. They are about half an inch long and resemble small or large rice grains. 

Droppings are one of the most common warning signs of rats in your home and a significant health hazard due to the diseases they can spread. 

While rats can defecate anywhere in your home, these droppings are often found in high-activity areas where these rodents nest or feed. 

That could include the cupboard, basement or attic, around the panty, kitchen appliances, or under the sink.

Gnaw Marks

Rats have a natural tendency to chew on virtually anything they can sink their teeth into. That’s because of their front incisors, which are constantly growing. Gnawing on objects helps keep the front teeth honed. 

The most common things you can find gnaw marks on include cardboard boxes, food packaging, and wooden items like furniture. 

It is also possible to find signs of gnawing on electrical wiring and insulation, creating a potential fire hazard and compromising the structure of your home.

Pungent Odor

Rats infestations are often synonymous with a strong, musky odor spread around the house. 

The cause of the foul smell could be twofold. It might arise from the urine, which has a pungent ammonia-like smell. 

On the other hand, it could also be due to a dead rat’s body decomposing somewhere in the house, causing a musty stench.

Grease Markings

Rodents leave behind greasy smears along the routes they scurry across due to the oil and dirt present in their fur. These track marks are typically found along the paths they travel the most and over again. 

That includes walls, sidings and floors, and floorboards, which they rub against regularly as they move. 

Nests

Rats build their nests in the dark, hidden areas of the home using various shredded materials, like cotton, paper, fabric, cardboard, etc. These might include the attic, inside walls, near food sources, or in crawl spaces or insulation.

Identifying rat nests can be somewhat tricky. However, if you spot gnaw marks or droppings in your home, there might be a nest nearby.  

You can also follow grease marks to locate the nest in some hidden corner.

Rat Control & Prevention in Santa Monica Homes

Rats are resilient creatures that invade homes seeking food, water, and shelter. Their nocturnal behavior and fast reproduction rates can make eliminating them a challenge. Overlooking the signs of a rat infestation can quickly wreak havoc on your home while posing a significant risk to your health. 

If you suspect any sign of an infestation, like spotting a live rodent, it is vital to contact a professional pest control exterminator to take care of the problem.  

Our technicians at Bugs A to Z provide prompt and dependable pest control solutions with utmost safety and competitive pricing, with 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed. 
Contact our Bugs A to Z team today to schedule your free inspection!