What do rat feces look like? Where is it found?

Rats’ fecal matter is laden with germs, and can be the cause of more than 20 diseases, spread through contact, inhalation of dried pellets, and ingestion. Salmonella, Hantavirus, and the plague are just a few. Rats leave behind small piles of pellets as they travel along their paths throughout the day. The amount of waste produced is dependent on how much they eat each day. They are not particular about where they defecate or urinate so if you have an infestation it will be in your attic, walls, and kitchen, as well as where they are nesting. When rats “go”, they leave several dark colored rice shaped pellets scattered around in a pile.



Unlike mice, rat feces have rounded ends. The fresher the droppings, the darker the color will be. Rats create a lot of waste. It’s not just about the food they it has a lot to do with their constant chewing. Rats continuously chew on wood, plastic, electrical cords and more. The pieces are mostly ingested and end up as bodily waste. Rats also use their feces and strong smelling urine to mark their territory. This scent trail keeps the rat from getting lost as it travels in search of food. Their scented droppings are particularly useful when moving in the dark areas where rats can’t see very well.

If you discover a large quantity of rat droppings, do not clean the mess until you are wearing proper sanitary equipment like gloves and a mask. Try to use a scoop to remove the waste because of its great potential for spreading disease. Clean the area thoroughly with disinfectant, and wash any fabric. People who come in contact with a high quantity of rodent waste may need to be hospitalized if They contract Salmonella, Hantavirus, or a handful of other dangerous diseases that can be spread by contact with rat feces.

Go back to the How to get rid of rats home page.

Find out more about rats in my educational articles. Learn if rats carry rabies, the sounds they make, what to do if a rat gets inside your house. I can show you how to find and remove a dead rat and let you know where you should relocate a trapped rat. Read about the Property Modifications that will keep rat populations down. Find out if you should hire a pro or remove rats yourself. Learn more on if you should ever poison a rat and some humane ways to kill a rat. Find out if it's possible for rats to enter buildings through Plumbing and if homeowners insurance will pay for rat damage. Learn the likelihood of a rat in the attic having a nest of babies and what wildlife rehabilitators do with rats. Find out if rats hibernate, if repellents will get a rat out of the attic, and if the city or county animal services will help you with a rat issue.

Need rat removal in your hometown? We service over 500 USA locations! Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020.

Select Your Animal

RaccoonsRaccoon Control Education and Services

SquirrelsSquirrel Control Education and Services

OpossumOpossum Control Education and Services

SkunksSkunk Control Education and Services

RatsRat Control Education and Services

MiceMouse Control Education and Services

MolesMole Control Education and Services

GroundhogGroundhog Control Education and Services

ArmadillosArmadillo Control Education and Services

BeaverBeaver Control Education and Services

FoxFox Control Education and Services

CoyotesCoyote Control Education and Services

BirdsBird Control Education and Services

BatsBat Control Education and Services

SnakesSnake Control Education and Services

DeadDead Animal Control Education and Services