Top 3 Warning Signs of Rodent Activity in Your Home

Rodents are quiet invaders. You might not see them, but the signs are often there if you know what to look for. Mice and rats tend to stay hidden during the day, nesting in walls, ceilings, and behind appliances. By the time you see one in the open, chances are the problem is already well established.

Here are the top three signs of rats in a house and what to do if you spot them.

Droppings and Urine Trails Are Common Signs of Rats in the House

One of the earliest and most obvious signs of rats in a house is the sudden appearance of droppings. Rat droppings are typically dark, moist, and about 12 mm long with pointed ends. You’ll usually find them in kitchen cupboards, pantries, drawers, and along baseboards. Mice leave smaller, more tapered droppings often scattered across benchtops or under sinks.

Urine trails are another giveaway. Rats and mice use scent to communicate, leaving pheromone-rich trails behind them. You might not always see it, but in some cases, you’ll notice greasy marks along skirting boards or strong ammonia-like smells in enclosed spaces.

Wipe-up jobs only go so far. If droppings appear daily, you’re not just dealing with one mouse you’ve likely got a full colony.

Scratching Noises and Chewing Sounds Are Key Signs of Mice

Hearing scratching or gnawing sounds in your walls, roof void, or underfloor areas? These are classic signs of mice or rats moving through wall cavities, building nests, or foraging for food.

Mice are most active at night, so you’re more likely to hear them after dark. The noises may be light and rapid, almost like shuffling or soft tapping. Rats, on the other hand, make heavier, slower noises, especially when climbing or chewing through wood and plastic.

Chewing is a major concern. Rodents need to file their teeth constantly, so they’ll chew through wiring, cardboard, timber, and even plumbing insulation. This can lead to short circuits, property damage, and unexpected leaks.

You might also notice:

• Torn food packaging
• Shredded insulation or paper
• Bite marks on skirting boards, furniture, or wiring

If you’re hearing regular activity at night or finding damaged materials, it’s time to think about rodent removal before the problem escalates.

Finding a Rat Nest in House Cavities or Storage Areas

A hidden rat nest in house cavities is a sign the infestation has been there for a while. Rats and mice create nests using soft, shredded materials like newspaper, fabric, cardboard, and even pet hair. Nests are typically built in quiet, undisturbed areas like roof spaces, the back of cupboards, under kitchen appliances, or behind storage boxes.

Mice build smaller nests and reproduce quickly, sometimes every 3 weeks. A few rodents can turn into a full-blown problem in a matter of months.

Nests often come with other clues:

• A strong musky odour
• Piles of nesting materials
• More droppings are concentrated in one area
• High-pitched squeaks or baby rodent noises

If you uncover one, don’t disturb it. Call in a rat exterminator who can inspect, treat, and seal off the area properly. Handling it yourself can spread bacteria or send the colony deeper into your home.

Other Early Red Flags to Watch For

Not every sign fits neatly into a category. Here are a few more clues that could point to rodent activity:

• Pet behaviour changes (e.g. barking at walls, pawing under furniture)
• Visible grease trails along walls and floorboards
• Small holes chewed through cabinetry or drywall
• Sudden insect activity (flies or beetles feeding on droppings)

Spotting just one of these may not mean much, but noticing several together suggests it’s time to act. The earlier you get onto it, the easier it is to manage.

How to Handle a Rodent Problem Safely

Once you’ve noticed one or more of the above signs, it’s important not to wait. Rodents carry bacteria, spread disease, and can compromise food safety and property integrity. DIY traps might catch one or two, but they rarely address the whole problem.

Professional rodent removal gives you peace of mind and a clear action plan. At E1 Pest Solutions, we don’t just bait and leave. We assess your home, locate nests, seal entry points, and return for follow-up. That’s how we make sure they stay gone.

Our service includes:

• Thorough property inspection
• Safe baiting and trapping methods
• Nest and droppings removal
• Prevention and proofing advice
• 7-day follow-up and satisfaction guarantee

We also help with bundled services if you’re managing multiple pests such as spiders, wasps, or termites. Ask us about this when booking.

If you suspect you’ve got rodents in your home, contact E1 Pest Solutions today for fast, friendly help from Sydney’s trusted pest experts. Book online or give us a call, and we’ll take care of the rest.