6 Signs of Rats in Your House in Greenville, SC

South Carolina is home to a variety of pests, and rats are no exception. Rats can cause damage to property, contaminate food, and pose health risks. In this blog, we will explore the key signs that may indicate a rat infestation in your Greenville residence. 

1. Rat Droppings

Rat droppings are a clear and reliable indicator of rat activity in your Greenville home. These small, dark, and pellet-shaped droppings are among the most common signs of a rat infestation. When rats invade your living spaces, they leave their droppings near their nesting areas, food sources, and along their travel paths, making them relatively easy to spot with a keen eye.

2. Rat Urine

Rat urine is another significant sign that rats may be present in your Greenville home. Like rat droppings, their urine is an unmistakable clue of a rat infestation. Rats tend to urinate frequently as they move around their territory, marking their paths with their distinctive odor.

What Do Rat Urine Stains Look Like

Rat urine stains can vary in appearance depending on the surface they are on and the amount of urine deposited. Here are some characteristics of rat urine stains:

• Color: Fresh rat urine stains are typically pale yellow or light brown in color. As the urine dries, it may become darker and more concentrated.
• Shape: Rat urine stains may appear as small surface droplets or streaks. They can be irregularly shaped, depending on how the rat deposited the urine.
• Smell: Rat urine has a strong, pungent odor, which may become more noticeable in areas with significant rat activity.
• Black Light: Under UV or black light, rat urine will fluoresce or glow due to the presence of certain compounds in the urine. This fluorescence can help detect otherwise invisible urine stains.

3. Foul Odors

Foul odors are another significant sign of a rat infestation in your home. Rats have a distinct musky odor that is often described as strong and unpleasant. This odor can become more noticeable as the rat population increases or if the rats nest in hidden areas within your living spaces. The foul smell comes from their urine, feces, and oils secreted from their fur. 

4. Sightings

Rat sightings are one of the most apparent and alarming signs of a rat infestation in your Greenville home. Rats are agile and quick, making it easy for them to scurry out of sight when they sense humans or other potential threats. If you catch a glimpse of rats running across the floor, along walls, or in outdoor areas near your home, it's essential to take immediate action to address the infestation.

When Are Rats Most Active?

Rats are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. They have evolved to be more active during the darkness to avoid predators and to find food with reduced risk. Their keen senses, especially their excellent night vision, help them navigate and search for food during the night hours.

How to Tell How Many Rats Are in Your House?

Detecting whether there is more than one rat in your house involves observing certain signs and behaviors that suggest multiple individuals are present. Here's how you can tell if there are multiple rats in your house:

• Different Nesting Sites: Finding multiple rat nests in different locations around your home is a clear sign that there is more than one rat.
• Frequent Activity: If you notice a high level of rat activity, such as noises, droppings, and gnaw marks in different areas, it is likely that there are multiple rats.
• Urine Stains: Numerous rat urine stains, especially under a black light, may indicate the presence of multiple rats marking their territories.
• Rat Vocalizations: Hearing squeaking or chattering sounds from different locations can signify multiple rats communicating with each other.

5. Unusual Pet Behavior

Unusual pet behavior can be a telltale sign of rats in your home. Pets, especially cats and dogs, have keen senses and can detect the presence of rats through their scent and movements. When rats are present, they may cause your pets to exhibit behaviors that deviate from their normal routines:

6. Scratching Noises

Scratching sounds are a common and unmistakable sign of rats in your Greenville home. These rodents are agile climbers and are known to make their way into attics, walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces. As they move and nest in these areas, they can create distinct scratching or scurrying noises, especially during their active hours at night.

Call ProCore For Rat Control in Greenville

When facing a rat infestation, calling for professional rodent control services in Greenville is crucial. At ProCore, our exterminators are trained to identify rat nesting areas, entry points, and the extent of the infestation, ensuring a thorough and targeted service. Don’t wait any longer, and call us for a free quote and same-day service!