Rats

Brown rats are the most common type of rats in the UK. Adult brown rats grow up to 40cm long with a tail shorter than the head and body, and weigh between 350-500g. They have a blunt nose, small ears and a thicker body than the smaller black rat.

Brown rats prefer living in the ground and burrowing, but are sometimes known to climb. They’re the only type of rat found in sewers and their favourite food is cereal, although they’ll eat almost anything.

Black rats are smaller than brown rats, between 16-24cm long with a pointier face and longer tail. These rats are very agile climbers but are much rarer than brown rats and most likely to be found in ports.

Hearing scratching noises or finding small dark brown droppings are both signs of a possible rat infestation.

Rats are most active during the night so it’s more likely you’ll see the signs of a rat infestation than the actual rat. These include dark brown droppings the shape of a grain of rice. Also rub marks where the grease and dirt on their bodies has left smudges on surfaces. You may also hear scratching noises in the roof or find rat holes and burrows in outside areas and gardens.

You can check for rat evidence in kitchens, behind appliances and any gaps where pipework or cables enter your property. Shredded insulation and chewed items in lofts is another sign of rat infestation. Rats can also be found in crawlspaces, suspended ceilings and cavity walls.

Outside of your property, rats love compost bins and dustbins where they might find food, so check for holes and gnaw marks. Garden decking is also very popular and again check the edges for signs of gnawing and burrowing.

Rats may also enter sheds and garages through holes in the doors and air vents. Wasteland or overgrown gardens can also be home to rats that burrow through the vegetation and live among trees and shrubs. Damaged drain covers and nearby holes may also be a sign of rats living in drains.