You can tell if you have rats by looking for signs like droppings near food or along walls, gnaw marks on furniture, wires, or food packaging, and strange scratching or scurrying noises inside walls or ceilings, especially at night. Other indicators include greasy rub marks where rats frequently travel, nests made from shredded materials, and a strong, musty odor in hidden areas.

You might have a rat infestation if you notice frequent droppings around your home, especially near food sources or along walls, or if you hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking noises at night. Other signs include gnaw marks on furniture, wires, or stored items, greasy smudge marks along their pathways, nests made from shredded materials, and a strong, unpleasant odor in hidden areas. Seeing rats themselves or finding dead ones is a clear sign that immediate action is needed.

Rats reproduce very quickly—female rats can have up to 6 litters per year, with each litter containing anywhere from 6 to 12 pups. After a short pregnancy of about 21 to 23 days, the young mature rapidly and can start breeding themselves in just 5 weeks. This fast reproduction rate means a small rat problem can quickly turn into a large infestation if not addressed promptly.

Professionals remove rats safely by first inspecting and sealing entry points to prevent access, then using humane traps or bait stations with rodenticides applied carefully to minimize risk. They also focus on sanitation by removing food sources and nesting materials, ensuring long-term prevention while keeping people and pets safe.