What Do Rat Footprints Look Like?
The most common types of rats in New England are the roof rat and the Norway rat. Despite their physical differences, both of these pests leave similar footprints, which differ from those of other rodents, like mice and squirrels.
One of the main hallmarks of rat tracks are their size, which ranges from three-eighths to three-quarters of an inch. Rat tracks also have a distinctive shape. This pest has four widely-spaced toes on its front feet and five on the back, which make distinguishable prints. You may also see stripe-like marks left by the dragging tails of older rats.
Where to Find Rat Tracks
Rodents make clear trails in dust, dirt, mud, or snow. If you think you have an infestation in your home or business, dust the floor along the baseboards with flour or baby powder. Since they are active at night and have poor eyesight, they’ll travel along the walls, leaving behind visible rat tracks.
Do You Have A Problem With Rats?
Rats will gnaw on support beams, build nests out of insulation, and contaminate food. They can also carry dangerous pathogens, like leptospirosis. For these reasons, it’s important to remove them from your building. If you suspect a rat infestation, call Waltham Pest Services to speak with a professional.