What the Evidence Can Tell You

Different signs can provide clues about where rat activity is occurring.

Rat Droppings

Rat droppings are generally larger than mouse droppings and may be found near feeding areas, travel routes, or nesting locations. Their size and location can help an inspector assess the type and location of rodent activity.

Heavy Scratching at Night

Rats are primarily nocturnal. Repeated scratching or movement from an attic, wall, ceiling, or crawl space can indicate activity that deserves further inspection.

Grease Marks

Rats can leave dark marks where their bodies repeatedly contact surfaces along frequently used routes. These marks may appear on walls, pipes, beams, or other areas rats use while moving through a structure.

Gnaw Marks

Rats gnaw on a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, packaging, and other objects. Chewed electrical wiring can create an additional property concern and should be addressed promptly.

Rat Nests & Nesting Material

Rats may use shredded paper, cardboard, fabric, insulation, and other available materials for nesting. Nesting material found in an attic, crawl space, garage, or another protected area can be an important sign of activity.

No single sign confirms an infestation by itself. The location, pattern, and combination of evidence provide a better picture of what is happening.

Roof Rats vs. Norway Rats: Why It Changes the Inspection

The type of rat involved can influence which parts of the property require closer attention.

Why Identification Matters

The location of activity can provide a useful clue, but it does not identify the species by itself. Proper identification should consider the full evidence found during the inspection.

6-STEP PROCESS

01 — Property Inspection

We begin with what you have noticed and inspect accessible areas where rat activity may be present. Depending on the property, this can include attics, crawl spaces, garages, walls, rooflines, vents, and foundation areas.

02 — Activity Assessment

We evaluate available evidence to determine where rats may be feeding, nesting, traveling, or entering the structure.

03 — Targeted Rat Trapping

When trapping is appropriate, trap placement is based on the activity identified during the inspection rather than being placed randomly throughout the property.

04 — Entry Point Exclusion

Where exclusion is included in the approved service, we address suitable access points identified during the inspection. These may include openings around foundations, rooflines, vents, utility penetrations, doors, or other vulnerable areas.

05 — Sanitation & Cleanup

Where included in the approved service, affected areas can be addressed for droppings, nesting material, and other residue associated with rat activity.

06 — Prevention Recommendations

We identify conditions that may contribute to future activity, such as accessible food, exterior clutter, damaged vents, vegetation contacting the structure, or unresolved openings.

Where Rats May Enter a Caldwell Property

Potential access points vary by building design and surrounding conditions. Areas that may require inspection include:

Potential Access Points

✓ Foundation Openings
✓ Crawl Space Vents
✓ Roofline Gaps
✓ Attic Vents
✓ Utility Penetrations
✓ Garage Doors & Side Gaps
✓ Damaged Exterior Screens
✓ Openings Around Pipes & Cables
✓ Gaps Around Exterior Doors

A potential opening becomes more important when it connects to an accessible part of the building. Finding the actual route into the structure is therefore an important part of effective rat prevention.

Residential Rat Control

We provide rat services for qualifying:

• Single-family homes
• Townhomes
• Rental properties
• Garages
• Attics
• Crawl spaces
• Outbuildings
• Larger residential properties

Whether the concern is activity above a ceiling, in a crawl space, or around a garage, the first step is determining what is actually happening on the property.

Commercial Rat Control

Rat activity can create additional concerns for businesses where food, inventory, equipment, or stored materials are present.

We provide services for qualifying:

• Restaurants
• Retail properties
• Offices
• Warehouses
• Apartment properties
• Storage facilities
• Other commercial buildings

Commercial service may require additional attention to access points, storage areas, sanitation conditions, and the property’s operating requirements.