Rodents
Rats: identification, signs & control
What are the signs of rats around a house?
Signs of rats around a house include burrows along foundations, sheds and woodpiles; large capsule-shaped droppings about three-quarters of an inch long; gnawed wood, wires or containers; and dark greasy rub marks along regular paths. Norway rats are the common species here. Rehoboth combines baiting, trapping and exclusion to remove them.
How do you identify rats?
- Norway rat: brown-gray, heavy body, blunt nose, small ears, tail shorter than the body
- Droppings about 3/4 inch, blunt ends
- Burrows 2–4 inches wide near foundations
What are the signs of rats?
- Burrows under decks, sheds, slabs and woodpiles
- Gnaw marks on doors, wood and plastic bins
- Runways through grass along fences
- Noises in basements or crawl spaces
Are rats dangerous?
- Spread disease through droppings and urine
- Gnaw wiring, creating fire risk
- Undermine slabs and foundations with burrows
How can you prevent rats?
- Use lidded, rodent-proof trash and compost bins
- Pick up fallen fruit and birdseed
- Stack firewood off the ground and away from walls
- Seal openings larger than a quarter
How does Rehoboth treat rats?
Locked bait stations along runways, traps where rats travel, and exclusion of the openings they use. We check back until activity stops.
More questions
Do you handle rats in Philadelphia rowhomes?
Yes. Rowhomes share walls and alleys, so we focus on the gaps that connect your home to the block and coordinate with neighbors when it helps.
Get rid of rats
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect, explain what we find and recommend the lightest plan that will actually work.