A rat is nocturnal and discreet: you spot its signs well before you see it. Knowing how to read them lets you step in before the colony settles in and starts attacking the building and cables — especially relevant in autumn, when rats actively seek a heated shelter for winter.
Visual clues
Dark droppings shaped like an elongated grain of rice (1 to 2 cm), clustered along walls and behind furniture. Fresh, they're shiny; dry, they crumble.
Dark grease marks along skirting boards and runways: a rat always follows the same routes, and its coat leaves a greasy trail.
Gnaw marks on packaging, wood and even electrical wiring: an exposed cable in an attic or partition wall is a potential fire starter.
Sound and smell clues
Scratching and scurrying in partition walls, false ceilings or under the floor, especially at night.
A persistent ammonia smell in a confined space (cellar, crawl space) signals an established presence.
What the extent of the signs reveals
A few scattered clues point to an early intrusion: the ideal time to treat, fast and at lower cost.
Abundant droppings, several greasy runways and daytime sightings point to an established colony: the population then usually exceeds ten individuals and requires a full rodent control plan.
The right response
Finding and sealing entry points matters as much as baiting: without it, the infestation comes back.
Antinox maps runways, secures bait out of reach of children and pets, and treats access points. A follow-up check confirms the activity has stopped. Price announced before treatment, reachable 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a rat from a mouse?
A mouse dropping is small (3–6 mm) and thin; a rat's is larger and spindle-shaped. Rat damage is also more pronounced on wood and cables.