We have a lot of rats here in New York, which means that, no matter where your property is located, you have to always be on the lookout for signs of rat invasions.
But one issue that affects many homeowners is that you might not see the rats at all. Rats are outstanding hiders, often avoiding humans so well that it’s possible to have infestations for months without noticing a signal sign that rats are present.
Instead, you have to *listen* for rats. You have to keep your ears open for signs that rats may be on your property, so that you can hear them long before you ever seen them.
But what do you need to listen for?
And where will the noises occur?
Let’s talk about rat noises so that you can be aware of rodents on your property before they become a more serious problem.
Who We Are at Fillmore Termite and Pest Control
Fillmore Termite and Pest Control is a Staten Island based pest control company serving all of New York City and throughout parts of New Jersey as well. We offer state of the art, thorough, affordable pest control to handle any challenge you may face, including not only rodents but also insects, spiders, and so much more. If you’re in need of a pest control company to help protect your property, reach out to Fillmore Pest today.
Rat Noises to Listen For
Rats are nocturnal. During the day, you are unlikely to see or hear a rat anywhere on your property unless you accidentally happen upon a place where they’re hiding. Rat activity often doesn’t start until as late as 9, 10, or 11pm at night (depending on species).
It’s then when you might start hearing noises. These noises may include:
- Scratching in the Walls or Attic – The most common noise is a scratching sound. Rat claws are long and sharp, and when they climb around walls and ceilings, it makes a scratching noise that is often the first sign that you have rats on your property.
- Rapid Footsteps – Rats may also make a rapid footstep noise as they scurry around the house. This noise sounds similar to dropping acorns on a roof, but quickly and in succession. You can hear this noise in walls, but it is especially common if rats are on your roof or in your attic.
- Gnawing Noises – Gnawing sounds can be a bit harder to notice, and often sound like scratching. Rats might chew on wood, plastic, and even wires (which is why rats are so dangerous) to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Grinding noises that can’t be explained by anything else could be a sign of rodents.
- Thumps – Rats are large mammals that travel close to walls and through small holes, which means they’re constantly thumping and umping into things. They also jump, which means you can hear thunking noises when they fall to the ground. If you hear these noises in your floorboard or attic, that may be a sign of rats.
- Squeaks – Of course, rats do squeak as well, especially if there are more than one of them and they’re trying to communicate. Unless you’re really close to the nest, this can be harder to hear, but as the infestation grows, so too do the squeak noises.
It is theoretically possible to see a rat on your property, especially if they’re hiding in a place you frequent, like the attic or garage. Or you may see droppings and chewing marks, which are signs of rat infestations.
But most of the time, you’re not going to see a rat on your property. You’re going to hear it, and that means listening for them and being aware when a noise you hear is not normal for the space.
Rats hide and live in attics, walls, basements, ceilings, between floors, and even in vents and ductwork. They’re far more likely to hide or live in places where they can’t easily be found, but they can be heard, and that is why it is so important to be aware of these noises, listen for them, and don’t wait to get help.
Remember, rats breed quickly, they follow each other’s scents, and they do immense property damage. Make sure that you address an infestation as it happens, because the longer you wait, the more you’re at risk for electrical issues, fire, feces, illness, and much more.
Reach Out to Fillmore Termite and Pest Control, Today
Fillmore Termite and Pest Control is a local leader in rodent control and rat removal. If you suspect you have rats on your property, call us immediately. We can come see if and where rats may be, and then provide you with an affordable estimate for what it will take to get rid of them for good.