Eek! Is that rat poop? Learning how to properly identify rodent droppings is one of the easiest ways to stop an infestation in its tracks.
Early detection is key to preventing potential health risks, minimizing property damage, and stopping the spread of rodent-borne diseases. Let’s talk more about how to identify rat droppings and what to do if you happen to find some little presents from an unwanted furry visitor.
Characteristics of Rat Droppings
Rat excrement is never something you want to stumble upon, but as a homeowner, you should know how to identify it quickly. Ignoring signs of a rat infestation could lead to more severe problems in the near future.
So, what do rat droppings look like? Rat poop is generally about half an inch long, brown, and cylindrical in shape. When it is fresh, it will appear shiny and then turn gray as it ages.
Rat Poop vs Poop from Other Pests
While investing in rodent control services is a good idea for most homeowners, rats aren’t the only pests that could invade your home. Being able to tell the difference between rat poop and other pests’ droppings will help you develop a plan to rid your home of these unwanted creatures more quickly.
Generally, rat poop is the biggest type of pest droppings. Mouse poop is much smaller, only about an ⅛ to a ¼ inches long, with pointed ends. You’ll typically find groups of droppings instead of just one or two.
Squirrel droppings are similar to rat excrement. While they are about the same size, they are lighter in color and have more rounded edges. Many homeowners say that squirrel droppings look similar to olive pits.
Cockroaches are another common household pest. Their droppings are significantly smaller, often resembling ground coffee or black pepper. Bigger cockroaches will produce larger pieces of excrement, but they're still not as big as a rat’s.
Where You’ll Find Rat Droppings
If you spot a dropping or two, check for more! Start in places where rats could nest privately. Pay special attention to hidden areas such as your attic, garage, shed, or basement. Rats also enjoy the safety of crawl spaces and other wall cavities.
Another place to check is near food sources. Examine cluttered pantries, spaces behind appliances, and areas near trash cans. These are often dream homes for rats!
Health Risks of Rat Droppings
A rat infestation isn’t just unsanitary. It can also be hazardous to your health.
Diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis can be transferred to humans and pets through rat poop. These diseases can lead to things like kidney or liver damage, neurological issues, or fatal pulmonary issues.
Preventing these dangers by removing rat droppings from your living space is extremely important. If you find rat droppings in your home, look into rat extermination services to make sure you get rid of them completely before they become a bigger problem.
How to Safely Clean Rat Droppings
Once you’ve spotted rat droppings, it’s important to clean up your space. Immediately open the closest windows to provide ventilation. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming up the droppings, as these actions could introduce dangerous particles into the air.
Wear protective gear, like rubber gloves or an N95 mask, and spray the droppings and the area around them with disinfectant or a bleach and water solution. Allow the disinfectant or solution to soak the droppings for a few minutes to kill any bacteria and pathogens.
Using a paper towel, remove the droppings and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Put that bag into another bag to discourage contamination.
Once you’ve removed the rat poop, clean the area with disinfectant again. After this process, wash your hands, and come up with a plan to get rid of the rats in your home.
Keep Your Home Safe by Spotting Rat Droppings Early
Did you spot short, round, black rat droppings in your home? There’s no need to get wrapped up in the nitty-gritty of rat-dropping identification.
Mosquito Joe® services can get to the root of the problem quickly. All of our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, which means you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right!
The next time you spot some rat poop, don’t worry! Mosquito Joe has your back. Request a free estimate today to learn more about how our rodent control services can protect your home from all sorts of pests!
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
