What Are the Signs of a Rat Invasion?

Hey everyone!
I ignored the faint scratching in my walls for weeks, until a rat chewed through my $2,000 mattress and left 137 droppings in my silverware drawer. After this trauma, I became a rodent detective. Here’s how to spot infestations ​​before​​ they escalate:

  • ​Grease trails​​: Shined UV light revealed oily rat highways along baseboards
  • ​Ammonia stench​​: Their urine pooled under floorboards created a chemical burn smell
  • ​Nest confetti​​: Shredded insulation + my kid’s homework made a cozy rat nursery

90% of clients miss the #1 sign: ​​rub marks​​. Rats secrete oily fur residue on paths. Shine a flashlight sideways, greasy streaks mean infestation. @FirstTimeHomebuyer Check behind fridges first!

Thought my compost was safe until ​maggots​ appeared. Nope, rats bred under the bin! Their nests smell like ​​rotting coconut​. Now I use trail cams with night vision.

My son’s asthma spiked from rat dander. rats shed 1M hairs/year. Found hairs in vents using ​​duct tape lint rollers​.

Historic plaster cracks​​ hid rat highways. Infrared thermometer showed 5°F warmer spots where they traveled. 50 tool beat 300 inspections!

Landlord denied rats until I recorded ​​nighttime chattering​​ via stethoscope app. Legally, what decibel level proves infestation? Suing now!

Rat vs squirrel teeth marks: ​​Parallel grooves = rats​​ (1.5mm spacing). Squirrels leave jagged edges. Measure with calipers, evidence for lawsuits!

Rotting coconut = advanced decay. You had dead rats inside walls. Immediate ​​enzyme cleaner​​ needed, stench attracts new colonies!

Recordings alone won’t win. Collect ​20+ droppings​​ in ziplock as evidence. Health Dept requires fecal ID. My case settled for $12k relocation!

Found ​​grease trails​ behind oven! Used baby powder to confirm foot traffic. Traced to attic entry. @PestProMark Safe to clean trails with vinegar?

Used your caliper trick, proved landlord’s “mouse problem” was actually Norway rats. Broke lease penalty-free! Don’t let them gaslight you!