Why Are Rats So Hard to Get Rid Of?

Hearing the faint scurrying of tiny feet in your kitchen is rarely a good sign. While you may hope it’s just one lone rodent passing through, the reality is often far worse. Rats are incredibly adept at staying out of sight, meaning that by the time you notice signs of an infestation, several others have likely already settled in.

Once rats find suitable shelter, they don’t just stick around–they multiply. A single pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring within a year, quickly turning what seems like a minor nuisance into a full-blown infestation. If you’re dealing with a rat problem in your home, Brooks Pest Solutions is here to help.

How To Prevent Rats From Entering Your House

It all starts with understanding rat behavior. Rats are cautious but highly resourceful creatures. While they often explore new areas alone, once they find a reliable food source and shelter, they establish nests and reproduce rapidly. Their ability to squeeze through tiny openings, sometimes as small as a quarter, means that even the smallest gaps around your home can serve as entry points.

Rats are also opportunistic scavengers, capable of eating nearly anything organic. Unlike more specialized pests, their diet isn’t limited to just grains or scraps. From pet food to garbage, they’ll consume whatever is available, which means your home may be an appealing target for their next meal.

Find Where the Rats Have Been

Rats leave behind clear indicators of their activity, particularly through the destruction they cause. Here are some of the most common forms of rat damage:

• Electrical wiring. Like all rodents, rats must continuously chew to keep their teeth from growing too long. Unfortunately, this often means gnawing on electrical wires, creating a serious fire hazard in homes and businesses.
• Fiberglass insulation. Rats love to shred insulation for their nests. They use it much like we do – to stay warm. If you notice torn or missing insulation in your attic or walls, it may be a sign of a hidden rat infestation.
• Walls and carpeting. Rats don’t let obstacles get in their way. They will chew through drywall, wood, and even carpet to reach food or shelter, sometimes creating holes that allow them to move through your home undetected.

What Do Rat Droppings Look Like?

One of the clearest signs of a rat infestation is their droppings. Rat droppings are typically dark, pellet-shaped, and about the size of a raisin, often found near food sources or nesting areas.

Unlike mouse droppings, which are smaller and more pointed at the ends, rat droppings tend to be larger with more rounded edges. Be careful not to confuse droppings with discarded food particles, as rats often leave behind chewed remnants of food that may look similar at first glance.

Get Professional Rodent Control From Brooks Pest Solutions

The best way to get rid of rats is with professional support from Brooks Pest Solutions. While DIY methods may catch a few rodents, they rarely address the full scope of an infestation. Our team brings a level of efficiency and expertise that you can’t buy over the counter. We strategically place traps, baits, and exclusion barriers in the areas where rodents are now and where they’re most likely to target in the future.

Rats rarely come alone, and missing just a few can lead to another infestation down the line. If you want to keep your home protected from rodents, reach out to Brooks Pest Solutions and schedule your initial consultation today.