Pest rodent · Rattus norvegicus · Last updated 24 August 2026
Rats
The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most widespread rodent in Belgium. A female produces up to 5 litters of 6 to 12 pups per year — an infestation can double in 3 weeks.
On site within 24h · Re-intervention guarantee if the treated pest reappears
Omnivorous and nocturnal, the rat colonises basements, sewers, attics and warehouses. It gnaws through cables, pipes and load-bearing structures. As a carrier of leptospirosis and salmonellosis, it poses a real health risk to occupants and the food chain.
Identify
Signs of infestation
- Elongated black droppings, 10 to 20 mm, pointed ends, along walls and behind appliances
- Greasy smear marks (runs) on skirting boards, walls and pipes: rats always hug the walls and leave a visible oily mark
- Nighttime scratching in ceilings, under floors or in the cellar
- Gnaw marks on cables, wood, food packaging and even concrete
- Persistent ammonia-like urine smell in confined spaces
Where it's found
Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus): lives underground (sewers, drains, riverbanks), invades basements, cellars and ground floors. Black rat (Rattus rattus): a climber, occupies roofs, lofts and attics. Both species enter through openings as small as 2 cm.
Impact
Associated risks
Leptospirosis
The Leptospira bacterium in rat urine, transmitted by skin contact with contaminated water or soil. A notifiable disease (FPS Public Health). High risk after flooding.
Structural damage
A rat gnaws electrical cables, plastic pipes and insulation. Exposed wires in the attic mean a direct fire risk. Insurance rarely covers damage without proven prior treatment.
FASFC non-compliance
In the food industry, catering or logistics, the presence of rats causes immediate non-compliance, with the risk of activity suspension and an administrative fine.
Compare
Rat or mouse: how to tell them apart?
| Criterion | Rat (Rattus norvegicus) | Mouse (Mus musculus) |
|---|---|---|
| Droppings size | 10 to 20 mm, pointed ends | 3 to 6 mm, spindle-shaped |
| Entry opening | 2 cm minimum | 6 mm, the width of a pencil |
| Reproduction | 5 litters of 6 to 12 pups per year | Up to 10 litters of 5 to 8 pups per year |
| Main damage | Structural: cables, pipes, load-bearing elements | Food contamination: up to 80 urine drops per hour |
| Detection | Heavy scratching noises, persistent ammonia smell | Discreet, can go undetected for several weeks |
Good practice
Prevention
- 01Seal every opening larger than 2 cm around pipe and cable runs
- 02Use outdoor bins with a locking lid: an open bag left out overnight is enough to attract a colony within 48h
- 03Remove accessible water sources: dripping taps, blocked drains, standing rainwater
- 04Trim vegetation to at least 50 cm from the building: vines and branches act as a bridge to the roof
- 05Inspect cellars, crawl spaces and pipe manholes annually for signs of entry
Frequently asked questions
What you're asking
How do I detect a rat infestation?
Telltale signs: cylindrical droppings 1 to 2 cm long, gnaw marks on cables or wood, runs in the ground, a musky smell. Rats are active at night — hearing them run inside walls or ceilings is a clear sign of infestation.
Are the baits dangerous for my animals?
No. The rodenticides are placed in locked bait stations inaccessible to children and animals. All products are authorised by the FPS Public Health and comply with Belgian biocide regulations (Royal Decree of 8 May 2014).
How long does the treatment take?
Results are visible 7 to 14 days after the baits are placed. The guarantee covers any reappearance at no extra cost, for the period stated on your quote.
Rodent Control
Related pests
rats problem?
Intervention within 24h, guarantee included.