Rats aren’t just a city-centre problem anymore — we’re seeing more and more reports of them popping up in gardens, sheds, and lofts all across Glasgow. Rats are adaptable creatures that thrive in both urban and suburban areas. Whether it’s scrabbling behind the loft space insulation in your Glasgow home or sneaking about under your decking in East Kilbride, they’re not exactly the houseguests anyone wants. None of us wants a rodent infestation.
Spotting the early signs of a rat problem can save you a heap of hassle (and money). Here are five things or common signs to keep an eye out for, plus a few tips on what to do if you’ve already clocked them.
1. Noises in the Night- Scratching Noises in the Loft or Walls
One of the first clues many people notice is a bit of late-night scratching or rustling. If you’re lying in bed and hear an annoying scratching sound of something moving overhead (or inside the walls) there’s a decent chance you’ve got a rodent on the roam.
Rats are nocturnal, so the quiet of the evening is when they’re most active. That sound might be them nesting, foraging, or just exploring your loft. Either way, if it’s not your boiler making funny noises, it’s worth getting a pest control professional to investigate.
2. Rat Droppings – Yep, the obvious ones
Not the nicest thing to talk about, but one of the clearest giveaways of a rodent infestation is the presence of rat droppings. Rat poop is usually dark, small, and tapered at the ends, think something like a large grain of rice. And if you have a rat problem you will find rat poop, did you know they can leave up to 40 droppings per night? Hope you enjoyed that fact while enjoying your biscuit and cup of tea!
If you’re finding them under kitchen units, near pet food bowls, or up in the loft, it’s a strong sign there’s rat activity nearby. The more droppings, the more active the infestation, so it’s not something to ignore.
3. Chewed Bits & Bobs! Gnaw Marks and Structural Damage
Rats need to gnaw constantly to keep their teeth in check (did you know they can be up to 3mm long… shudder) and unfortunately, your home’s wiring, plastic pipework, timber and loft insulation are prime targets. We’ve seen everything from gnaw marks on nibbled skirting boards to insulation torn to shreds. If they get into your cupboards or need a food source, you will notice chewed food packaging and other property damage.
Don’t forget too rats have also been known to chew through electrical wires, which is not just annoying — it’s downright dangerous. If you’ve spotted bite marks or odd damage around your loft or garden, it might not be wear and tear… it could be something furry.
4. Greasy Marks Along Walls
This one catches people off guard. Rats tend to follow the same routes again and again, brushing their bodies against the same walls or ledges. Over time, this leaves behind faint grease smudges. Why? Our furry friends often have oily fur, which leads to grease marks. Their tail marks are the same.
As they travel around your house or dash about outside in search of food (they especially love dry food) will invariably leave behind this telltale sign of rat infestations. Or you could even say a tell TAIL sign…. get it? tail? … Ok, we are bad at jokes, we will stick to the helpful information!
So if you’ve noticed strange, dark streaks near low walls, pipe runs or skirting boards, there’s a chance it’s a rat ‘motorway’ of sorts. In dusty spots, like loft beams or garden sheds, you might even see little footprints or tail trails.
5. Unpleasant Smells and Nesting Material Where It Shouldn’t Be
Rats love to make their nests comfy, so they will use soft items like paper, cardboard, and fabric, usually the stuff you have left tucked away in secluded environments, such as in the loft space, wall voids, or garden sheds. The availability of nesting materials such as these often encourages attic nesting and infestations in garden areas. Rats are prolific breeders too! Did you know they can have 5-10 litters a year, and each litter can be 6-12 rats! So they need to work fast to build their homes, which means you need to take quick action to prevent a larger infestation. This great little infographic from rats.myfcph.org really shows it
Also, keep an eye out, or nose out for an unpleasant ammonia-like smell. This is often the first thing people notice in an infested space. This can be caused by urine trails of the rats. Rats are constantly in search for food and will gravitate to kitchens, bin stores, and pet food bowls. The presence of rat droppings along with that lovely ammonia-like smell is a sure fire indicator its time to call the professionals.
Extra Clue: Chewed Entry Points
In the garden, have a look around your fencing, decking or drainpipes. Small gnawed holes, disturbed soil near walls, or gaps under gates can all be access points. Rats can squeeze through surprisingly tiny spaces, think anything about the size of a 50p coin!
If you’re regularly spotting holes near bin areas, or the same path through your grass or flowerbeds, it might be worth a closer look.
One of our customers called us recently as they noticed a chewed up corner of their decking, which had now become a rat run. Their call was a great choice it helped us clear the problem and take preventative measures to keep future problems at bay.
What Should You Do If You Spot These Signs?
If any of the above sounds familiar, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. Rats are quick breeders, and what starts as the odd scratching noise can turn into a full-blown infestation before you know it.
At Strathclyde Pest Control Services, we’ve dealt with countless rat problems across Glasgow and beyond — from new builds to tenements, gardens to lofts. We can carry out a thorough inspection, block entry points, and remove any nests safely and professionally.
So don’t ignore the signs of infestation, even if you only see a few indicators; this could point to a more severe infestation issue behind the scenes. Prompt action and regular inspections by pest control professionals, such as our team, are essential.
If you’re based in Glasgow or the surrounding areas like East Kilbride, Cambuslang or Rutherglen, Strathclyde Pest Control can help. As a professional pest control company, we provide friendly pest control options and humane methods to eliminate rodent infestations while keeping your family and pets safe.
Our pest control experts are trained to assess all types of damage caused by rats and provide adequate pest management procedures tailored to your property.
You can also contact Glasgow City Council Public Health for additional guidance: www.glasgow.gov.uk
These articles give some further reading if you want to know more!
A Quick Summary to Spotting Rat Infestations:
1. Noises in the Night
2. Droppings — Yep, the Obvious One
3. Chewed Bits & Bobs
4. Greasy Marks Along Walls
5. Nesting Material Where It Shouldn’t Be
6. Chewed Entry Points
A Quick Summary to Preventing Rat Infestations:
- Store food (including pet food) in sealed tubs, not bags
- Don’t leave bin bags outside overnight — use wheelie bins with closed lids
- Keep decking and sheds in good repair
- Block up any obvious gaps around doors, pipes or vents
- Don’t leave bird seed or leftover food lying around the garden
Take Action Today
If you’ve noticed any of these signs of rat activity, don’t delay. We offer affordable, discreet, and professional pest control services across Glasgow and surrounding areas.
🔗 Learn more about our rodent control services
🔗 Request a free pest inspection today
Strathclyde Pest Control – Your Local Pest Professionals in Glasgow.
Stay safe, stay pest-free.
