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.
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.
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.