How do I know if I have rats and mice?

Rats 
Rats are most active during the night time.

You may have rats and mice if you see:

RATS:

  • The presence of droppings. These are black and torpedo shaped and between 10mm and 18mm in length.
  • Eaten foods. Foods which are usually left in sheltered areas. These may include fruit seeds, nuts and foods available about the house.
  • Rat Runs/Travel Paths. These are paths on the ground or greasy rub marks against the floor or walls formed by the repeated travel of rats over the same areas. Rat runs may be traced back to the rat’s shelter.
  • Burrows.  Found outside along walls, under buildings, in creek banks, roof insulation and in staked materials 
  • Gnawing.  Gnawing may be caused by rats trying to reach sources of food or gnawing to control the growth of their teeth. Rodents gnaw a wide variety of material including woodwork, electrical cables and food containers.
  • Noise. Scratching, fighting, squeaking, clawing and gnawing often heard during the night time. 

MICE:

  • The presence of droppings. These are black and rod shaped and between 3mm and 6mm in length.
  • Eaten foods. Foods which are usually left in sheltered areas. These may include fruit seeds, nuts and foods available about the house.
  • Gnawing.  Gnawing may be caused by mice trying to reach sources of food or gnawing to control the growth of their teeth. Rodents gnaw a wide variety of material including woodwork, electrical cables and food containers.
  • Noise. Scratching, fighting, squeaking, clawing and gnawing often heard during the night time.