Where Can Rats Hide?
One of the first signs of a rat infestation is gnawed wood around your home. Rats and mice leave holes with rough edges, and their hairs are covered with a natural oil that stains walls and other surfaces. The marks usually get darker with time. You can look for these marks near the bottom of doors, baseboards, and rafters. Rats will also leave gnaw marks on wood and pipes.
Rats are small-sized creatures, so they are able to squeeze through cracks in walls and doors. Their flexible skeletons also allow them to stay compressed for extended periods of time. They feed on a variety of different items, including food and nesting materials. Although they are nocturnal, rats prefer to hide in places without much human contact.
Another sign of a rat infestation is the presence of feces. Rats leave traces of their excrement, and feces often appear near food stashes. Their stools are grayish and hard, and they show signs of chewing. They also leave a deathly odor behind.
Rats tend to live in dark areas, and they can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter. They can also hide in crevices in bushes or trees. They may also use garbage cans for cover and climb trees to find food.