What To Do If You Find Rat Droppings In Your Home

Rats can wreak havoc on a home, as they're able to chew through wiring, gnaw furniture, and even cause structural damage. Equally worrisome is the fact that rats can spread serious diseases to humans, both by direct contact and through their feces. Rat droppings carry various bacteria that can cause everything from fever to meningitis. Once dry, they can also become airborne and spread a deadly respiratory disease called hantavirus, which has a 38% mortality rate according to WebMD. This is why properly identifying droppings and removing them quickly is key.

To distinguish rat droppings from those of a mouse, keep in mind that they are much larger (about the size of a raisin), often have pointed ends, and tend to be concentrated in one spot rather than spread out across various areas. While fresh droppings are dark brown or black, anything older than three days will be gray and brittle. For safe removal, start by putting on gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles. If the droppings are on a hardwood floor or inside a cabinet, spray the area with a DIY solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. After they've soaked for 5 to 10 minutes, use paper towels to carefully pick them up. If, on the other hand, the droppings were found on carpet, use a moist paper towel to wet and gently lift them, being careful not to rub them into the fabric. Never try to sweep or vacuum droppings, as this can release harmful particles into the air.

Once you've picked up all the droppings, place them inside a plastic bag that can be sealed tightly. Next, disinfect floors and cabinets with the same 1-to-9 water and bleach solution while shampooing or steam cleaning any affected carpet. If the droppings were in a pantry containing food, make sure to toss anything with teeth marks or that may have been touched by the rat and its feces. Finally, wash your gloved hands with soap, discard the gloves, then wash your hands again.

Unfortunately, there are no kind ways to exterminate rats. Rather, getting rid of rats humanely means simply preventing them from entering your home again. The first important step you need to take if you have a rat problem is to look for possible openings the rats can use to get inside. Just a few ways to bar entry include using stainless steel wool to fill small holes, covering vents with metal grills, adding door sweeps to close off any gaps, and making sure no roof shingles are missing.

You can also help keep pesky rats out of the house with an item from your pantry: vinegar. Rats don't like its acidic smell, so spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water around potential entry points. What's more, ditch clutter and cardboard boxes as these can attract rats to your attic or basement by providing shelter. If, in the end, these solutions fail and you again spot rats or their droppings inside your home, call a professional exterminator to banish them as soon as possible.