How to Get Rid of Rats in Ceilings and Walls 

Rats can squeeze through openings as small as half an inch, making it easy for these critters to find their way inside homes, businesses, and other structures. Recent studies reveal that 35% of American homes in the Northeast experience problems with rats every year. Factor in businesses, commercial properties, and industrial sites, and the number of properties with rat problems soars well into the millions.  

Once they find their way indoors, rats tend to gravitate toward enclosed spaces. These rodents can cause significant structural damage with their burrowing and nearly constant gnawing. They also consume, damage, and contaminate surfaces, food, and items inside buildings. Rats can potentially spread dozens of communicable diseases and infest homes and other structures with fleas, mites, ticks, and other pests.  

How do you get rid of rats in walls and ceilings? Let’s explore why mice and rats infest these areas, how to recognize the signs of an infestation, and what to do about it.  

Signs of Rat Activity in the Wall or Ceiling  

Norway rats are among the most common rats in the region, and, like many rodents, they tend to be active at night. Because they are mostly nocturnal, it’s rare to spot a live rat in action. Seeing a rat during the day may indicate a large infestation. More common signs of rat activity include: 

Scurrying Sounds 

You might not see them, but you will likely hear rats scampering about in ceilings and wall cavities. Hearing scratching, scurrying, and squeaking sounds is a fairly definitive sign that rodents have invaded. You might also hear gnawing and falling debris as rats burrow into tight spaces. 

Unusual Pet Activity 

Dogs and cats have sharper senses that often allow them to identify rodent activity before humans notice anything. If you notice your pet staring at the wall or ceiling and meowing or barking at it, it could be a sign of rat activity.  

Droppings  

Rodent droppings often look like dark brown or black grains of rice. Mouse droppings are typically smaller, between 1/8 and 1/4 inch long with pointed ends. Droppings from rats are usually dark brown and shiny, with blunt or pointed ends, depending on the species. Rat droppings can be anywhere from 1/2 to 1 inch long. 

Additional Signs of a Rat Infestation 

Gnaw marks on wood, walls, moldings, pantry items, and even plastic or wires can indicate a rat infestation. Greasy or dark-looking rub marks from rats’ fur can help you spot areas where rats travel frequently. 

Getting Rid of a Rodent Infestation in the Ceiling or Walls  

Eliminating a rat infestation — or any rodents for that matter — is no easy feat. To be successful, you must first identify the rodent causing problems and then tailor the treatment and elimination strategy accordingly. Taking preventive steps, such as investing in Residential Exclusion Services, can help reduce the odds of rats ever entering the premises.  

Getting rid of rats in walls and ceilings can be even more challenging than eliminating infestations in other locations, primarily because these areas offer limited access. Although it can be tempting to set traps and remove rodents on your own, calling professionals is the most effective strategy to get rid of them quickly and for good.  

Keep in mind that rodents reproduce quickly. A single female rat typically produces an average of 15 to 60 pups over the span of their one-year lifetime. Even small infestations can quickly grow out of control. 

Professionals have the expertise needed to efficiently and effectively eliminate the problem. Additionally, homeowners and business owners can take action to prevent infestations and protect their properties from future invasion.  

Why Rodents Are Attracted to Manmade Structures  

Two of the primary elements attracting rats and other rodents to homes and other structures are food and shelter. Food waste, including garbage and crumbs, can be a significant draw. Additionally, out-of-the-way spaces that offer protection and areas that provide safe nesting areas serve as a flashing “Welcome” sign to rodents. Holes in the foundation, openings like cracks and gaps in siding or around pipes, and unprotected vents all offer easy access.

Preventing Rodent Infestations in the Future 

USX Pest Control offers Residential and Commercial Exclusion Services that provide a permanent solution. These rigid barriers offer safe, humane, chemical-free protection by eliminating entry points. Other preventive measures that you can take include: 

• Regularly inspecting your property to look for any cracks and crevices, including around pipes, utility lines, foundations, windows, and doors 
• Sealing new access areas with silicone caulk and weather stripping 
• Landscaping to minimize rodent activity by keeping mulch and shrubbery 15 inches or more from the building’s foundation, roof, and exterior walls 
• Cleaning and sanitizing interior spaces, routinely cleaning counters and floors 
• Keeping food in rodent-proof containers 
• Regularly disposing of garbage in tightly lidded receptacles 

Rely on USX Pest for Expert Rodent Removal, Control, and Prevention 

Fast, effective removal relies on a multi-step process. That’s why USX Pest’s licensed technicians follow four primary steps for rat removal and control. We start with a free inspection to identify the pest and the infested areas. That allows us to customize our services before using safe and humane methods to remove rats from ceilings, walls, and any other locations. Afterward, we clean and disinfect the affected areas and seal entry points to prevent re-infestation. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a free inspection to start the process.