When you find physical evidence of a rat, it usually indicates a rat infestation. Rats usually nest in a secure shelter close to food and water. They usually travel around 150 feet. Finding evidence of rat tracks or paw prints is a clear indication. Understanding the anatomy, size, and shape of rodent footprints, and how to distinguish rat tracks from those of other rodents, can help you gather crucial information about the presence of rats in your vicinity.
What Do Rat Tracks Look Like?
Rats leave tracks that vary from about one-half to one inch in length and width depending on the individual pests’ age, size, and sex.
Anatomy of Rat Tracks: Rat tracks consist of four toes on both the front and hind feet. The front feet have longer toes, while the hind feet have shorter ones. Claw marks may be visible, especially on softer surfaces like dust or mud.
Size and Shape of Rat Tracks: The size of rat tracks varies depending on the species and age of the rat. Typically, rat tracks measure about 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length and have an oblong shape, with the hind feet usually being wider than the front feet.
Differentiating Rat Tracks from Other Rodent Tracks: Identifying rat tracks among other rodent footprints can be challenging. Key characteristics include the presence of claw marks, track size, and shape, and the spacing between toes. Rat tracks often have more prominent claw marks and are larger than those of mice or squirrels.
The easiest places to notice rat tracks are in snow, mud, and dust, so little-used basements and muddy areas around home foundations are good places to start. Searching for tracks may also help in the identification of how rats are getting into homes. Additionally, these pests establish regular foraging trails to move between their nests and food sources, so they often leave behind well-worn paths.
How to Identify Rat Tracks Inside Your House
Rat footprints often have a smudged appearance, as only the front half of their paws typically leaves a clear imprint, and these are often obscured by their hind feet as the pests run.
Inspect common areas where rats are likely to travel. Look for tracks in dark corners, along walls, near food sources, and in areas with signs of rat activity such as droppings or gnaw marks.
To confirm rat tracks, use tracking powders or ink pads. Tracking powders adhere to the rats’ feet, leaving visible tracks, while ink pads capture their footprints. Both methods provide concrete evidence of rat activity, helping determine the best course of action for removal.
When dealing with a rat infestation, seeking professional help is essential. Trutech offers comprehensive rat control services, including expert inspection, identification, and removal. Our trained technicians have the knowledge and tools to effectively eliminate rats, ensuring a safe and pest-free environment.
Other Signs of a Rat Infestation
Runways in Insulation
Rats will travel the same path in your attic and create runways through the insulatoin
Rat Droppings
Rats will leave a trail of droppings and urine as they travel.
Grease or Rub Marks
Rats' oily fur rubbing against surfaces as they move through narrow openings.
Rat Tracks in the Snow
Winter brings its own set of challenges when it comes to identifying rat tracks. Rats do not hibernate. During cold weather, the necessity is to find warmth and shelter.
Rat tracks in the snow can be harder to spot but are just as telling. Look for the familiar four-toed footprints, with longer front toes and shorter hind toes. Pay attention to the spacing and the presence of claw marks. Rat tracks in the snow might also show drag marks from their tails.
Recognizing these rodent footprints during the winter months can help you take timely action to address any potential infestation. Trutech Inc. is here to assist you year-round, ensuring your home remains safe and pest-free.
Call Trutech in to Get Rats Out
Rat tracks around your house are a sign of a rat infestation and should not be ignored. Trutech offers effective solutions to control and manage rodent populations in your attic, ensuring a safe and healthy living environment.
One key method we employ is professional rodent trapping. Our experienced technicians use humane trapping techniques to safely capture and remove rodents from your attic. By controlling the population through trapping, we can help prevent further damage and reduce disease transmission risks.
In addition to trapping, rodent exclusions are crucial for long-term control. Trutech uses proven techniques to seal off entry points and prevent rodents from accessing your attic. By identifying and sealing these openings, we can effectively prevent future infestations and minimize the chances of rodent damage.
Recurring maintenance is also essential in controlling the rodent population on your property. Our technicians install bait stations strategically around your property to attract and eliminate rodents. These stations are designed to be safe and effective, ensuring that rodents are kept at bay and reducing the risk of damage to your attic and property.
At Trutech, we understand the importance of prompt and efficient rodent control in your attic. With our expertise and advanced techniques, we can help you identify rodent damage, control the population, and prevent future infestations. Trust us to provide reliable and effective solutions for a rodent-free attic.
