Symptoms
- Larger, capsule-shaped droppings compared to mouse droppings
- Gnawed holes in vents, soffits, or wiring
- Scratching or thumping sounds in the attic, especially at night
- Greasy rub marks along walls or beams where rats travel repeatedly
Likely causes
- CommonAccessible entry points like roof gaps, vents, or foundation holesRats can squeeze through openings roughly the size of a quarter and often enter at the roofline or foundation.
- CommonFood sources like bird feeders, pet food, or an unsecured compost pileConsistent outdoor food sources support and grow a nearby rat population.
- PossibleClutter or woodpiles providing shelter near the houseDense outdoor clutter gives rats safe cover close to potential entry points.
What to do
- Inspect the roofline, vents, soffits, and foundation for gnawed or gapped openings, especially where utility lines enter.
- Remove or secure outdoor food sources, including bird feeders, pet food, and open compost.
- Clear woodpiles, dense brush, or clutter away from the house's foundation.
- Seal found entry points with heavy-gauge hardware cloth or metal flashing, since rats can chew through plastic, wood, and even some foam sealants.
- Set rat-sized snap traps or bait stations in the attic or areas with activity, away from where children or pets can access them.
- Check and reset traps regularly, and dispose of caught rats with gloves.
- Call a pest control professional for larger populations, attic infestations, or if exclusion work is extensive, since rats are harder to fully eliminate without addressing every entry point.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
- Gloves
- Hardware cloth
Rat snap trapsSearch: “rat snap traps”
Hardware clothSearch: “galvanized hardware cloth”
When to call a pro
Call a pest control professional for attic infestations or a larger outdoor rat population.
Safety
Use caution
Wear gloves when handling traps or droppings, and be cautious in an attic with insulation, low clearance, or unstable footing.