By Ammar Ibrar 
Have you heard of scurrying, squeaky, and running noises in the middle of the night? Imagine you are in deep sleep and suddenly wake up to the sound of fighting coming from the wall or the kitchen. It’s frightening, isn’t it? If you are already facing this issue, that means you have rat infestation in your house.
Rat infestations are a bigger problem in Norway, especially during the winter season. When temperatures drop to minus, rats rush to people’s houses seeking warmth, food, and cozy hiding places. To avoid a full-blown infestation, you need to act quickly. That means applying DIY methods if you know any, or calling a rat exterminator. However, it is crucial to spot critical signs that they are here. In this post, we will share 5 key signs of rat infestation. Let’s dive in!
1. You See Rat Droppings Around Your Home
If you have a rat problem in your house in Norway, the first thing you will notice is the rat droppings. Rats leave small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings in their routes.
Rat droppings are most commonly found in the following places:
- Kitchen cabinets
- Behind appliances like your fridge or stove
- Inside pantry shelves
- Near trash bins
A large number of droppings indicates rat infestation. If you find them regularly, it means these sneaky creatures are likely to be around. We highly recommend not ignoring this warning sign because droppings can contaminate food and spread diseases. Therefore, seek professional help immediately.
2. You Hear Strange Noises at Night
The second warning sign is the noise. Yes. You have heard it right. Rats can’t stay silent. They become active at night. Rats search for food, fight with each other, and produce unusual noises such as scurrying, scratching, and squeaking. If they infest your home, you may observe:
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, the kitchen, or behind furniture
- Gnawing noises on wood, wires, plumbing pipes, furniture, and food packaging
- Rustling sounds coming from your attic, basement, or kitchen.
Do you hear these noises at night? It’s a sign that rats are nesting nearby. Hearing these sounds means rats are moving, eating, and nesting inside your walls. Call the professional rat exterminator in Norway.
3. Gnaw Marks or Damage on Wires and Food Packaging
Surprising fact: rats’ teeth never stop growing. So, they need to chew on anything constantly to keep their teeth in check. Also, believe it or not, rats can chew everything, from wood to paper. Look out for these signs:
- Chewed electrical wires. It can lead to fire hazards.
- Ruined boxes, bags, or containers with holes.
- Damaged wooden furniture or baseboards.
- Gnawed marks on pipes or walls.
These signs are a big red flag because damaged electrical wires can be dangerous. They are not just messing with your house; they are creating serious risks. With years of experience, a professional rat exterminator such as Skadedyr-kontroll knows where to find them and how to eliminate them safely.
4. You Spot Rats or Live in an Area Known for Rodent Problems
Have you spotted rats nearby? Is your neighborhood known for rodent problems? Rats are nocturnal creatures. You can barely spot them in broad daylight. If you accidentally see one or two, that means dozens of them are hiding in plain sight.
Additionally, if your new neighborhood is known for its rat problems, you must be extra vigilant and regularly inspect your house. Rats won’t ring your doorbell. So, don’t wait until you see them as proof. You can get expert help that will prevent headaches.
5. Unusual Bad Odors and Rat Nests
Rats leave trails of droppings and urine stains in their routes. If you notice a musky, ammonia-like smell that intensifies, it means you are close to their nests.
Also, look for:
- Piles of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation used as nesting material
- Hidden nests inside walls, under floors, or behind appliances
These are the signs of rats’ infestation. If you find these nesting elements, call pest control immediately.
Final Thoughts
Rats breed like crazy. They damage your property, cause fire hazards, spread diseases, and make your home unsafe. To prevent infestation, act promptly and contact the professionals. But first, check these signs. If you notice droppings, urine stains, nesting materials, gnaw marks, or a rat sighting, call for professional help.