What To Do If You Hear Rats In Your Loft: A Complete Guide

If you hear rats in your attic, it’s important to act quickly to avoid damage to your property and prevent a full-blown infestation.

Here's what to do:

1. Confirm the Presence of Rats

• Listen for scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds, mostly at night.

• Look for signs such as droppings, gnawed wires or wood, nests, or greasy rub marks along beams.
  
  

2. Inspect and Identify Entry Points

• Examine your roofline, vents, eaves, soffits, and chimney for holes or gaps.

• Rats can enter through openings as small as half an inch.
  
  

3. Remove Attractants

• Eliminate food sources: Secure pet food, birdseed, or trash.

• Reduce water sources: Fix leaks or standing water.

• Declutter: Rats love nesting in insulation, cardboard, and other attic debris.
  
  

4. Trap or Hire a Professional

• DIY Trapping: Use snap traps with bait (like peanut butter) along rat paths.

• Avoid glue traps - they're inhumane and not always effective.

• Professional Pest Control: If unsure or if the problem is large, call a licensed pest control service.
  
  

5. Seal Entry Points

• After trapping or professional treatment, seal all holes with:

  • Steel wool and caulk

  • Metal flashing

  • Hardware cloth
    

• Don’t seal up before removing rats - they might die inside and cause odor problems.
  
  

6. Clean and Disinfect

• Wear gloves and a mask when handling droppings or nests.

• Disinfect the area with bleach solution or commercial disinfectant.
  
  

7. Check Insulation

• Rats often nest in attic insulation and contaminate it.

• You may need contaminated insulation removal and replacement—especially if there’s significant urine/feces.
  
  

Would you like guidance on finding a professional for pest control or insulation replacement in your area? Give us a call today for a friendly chat. We are here to help.

We remove all types of loft insulation

• Mineral Wool
• Loose
• Fibreglass
• Sheep's Wool
• Blown-In
• Vermiculite
• Cellulose
• Spray Foam
• Rodent Infested Insulation
• Water Damaged
• Verminous
• Hazardous
• Pest Control Loft Cleaning
• Rodent/Pest/Pigeon Feces
  

Our post loft insulation removal cleaning services

Keeping your loft clean and organized is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient home environment. Our professional loft cleaning services are designed to address all your attic cleaning needs, ensuring a pristine and clutter-free space.

Our experienced team is committed to delivering top-notch service with meticulous attention to detail.

Here's what we offer:

Comprehensive Dust and Debris Removal: We thoroughly clean and remove dust, dirt, and debris, leaving your loft spotless.

Pest Infestation Cleanup: Our team handles pest infestations, removing nests and droppings to ensure a safe and sanitary loft.

Clutter Organization: We help sort and organize stored items, making your loft more functional and accessible.

Sanitization and Disinfection: We sanitize and disinfect surfaces to eliminate germs and allergens, promoting a healthier home.

Trust us to transform your loft into a clean, organized, and healthy space, enhancing the overall comfort and value of your home.

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