Top 10 Home Problems Caused by Rats

1. Structural Damage

• Rats chew through wood, drywall, and insulation to create nesting sites.
• Their burrowing can weaken foundations and walls over time.

2. Electrical Hazards

• They gnaw on wires, increasing the risk of short circuits and house fires.
• Damaged wiring often goes unnoticed until major issues arise.
• They nest in vehicle engines and chew wires there too.

3. Contaminated Food

• Rats raid pantries and chew through packaging.
• Their droppings, urine, and fur contaminate food, posing serious health risks.

4. Disease Transmission

• Rats can carry leptospirosis, salmonella, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever.
• Contamination isn’t limited to bites—airborne particles from droppings can be harmful.

5. Unpleasant Odors

• Rat urine has a strong ammonia-like smell.
• Dead rats in walls or attics create foul, lingering odors.

6. Nocturnal Noise

• Scratching, squeaking, and scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings disrupt sleep.
• Activity peaks at night, making it hard to ignore.

7. Pet Food Theft

• Rats target pet bowls and storage bins.
• They often contaminate food meant for cats, dogs, or birds.

8. Rapid Reproduction

• A pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in a year.
• Small infestations can explode into major problems quickly.

9. Grease Trails and Droppings

• Rats leave oily marks along walls and baseboards from their fur.
• Droppings accumulate in hidden areas, signaling active infestation.

10. Damage to Stored Items

• Rats chew through cardboard, fabric, and plastic in garages, attics, and basements.
• Important documents, clothing, and heirlooms are often destroyed.