How to spot the signs of a rat or mouse problem

Jack📅 9 Sept 2026⏱ 4 min read· 897 words

Share this post

Droppings

Droppings are the most reliable sign of rodent activity. Rat droppings are dark, capsule-shaped and roughly the size of a grain of rice, often found along walls, behind appliances, in lofts and in sheds. Mouse droppings are smaller, about the size of a grain of rice with pointed ends, and are commonly found in cupboards, drawers, pantries and other food storage areas. Fresh droppings are dark and moist. Old droppings dry out, fade and crumble. If you are finding droppings regularly, the rodents are active and treatment should not wait.

Noises

Rats and mice are most active at night. Scratching, scurrying and squeaking sounds in the loft, walls, ceiling or under the floorboards are a classic sign, especially when the house is quiet. Rats make heavier, slower sounds than mice, and you may hear them moving between floors or along pipe runs. If the noises are coming from the loft or roof, it could be rats moving around the roofline. Rats in the roof are common in autumn and winter, when they look for warm, sheltered spaces.

Gnaw marks and damage

Rodents need to gnaw constantly to keep their teeth worn down. Look for:

Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, cables and pipework
Shredded cardboard, insulation, fabric or paper, often gathered into a nest
Damaged food packaging, especially in cupboards and pantries
Damage to cables in the loft or behind appliances

Gnawed electrical cables are a fire risk, which is one of the reasons a rodent problem should not be left to run.

Nests

Mice build nests from shredded materials such as paper, cardboard, fabric and insulation, usually in wall cavities, lofts, behind appliances, in drawers or in other sheltered spots. Rats build similar nests, sometimes in loft insulation, under floorboards, in compost heaps or in burrows in the garden. Finding a nest means the problem is established.

Smells

A strong, musky odour is another sign of a rodent problem. It comes from rodent urine and scent marking, and it is strongest in enclosed spaces like cupboards, lofts and utility rooms. A persistent smell with no obvious source is worth investigating.

Signs in the garden

Rats in the garden are a common problem across North Cornwall and North Devon. Signs include:

Burrows at the base of walls, under sheds, in compost heaps or along fence lines
Runs in long grass, where repeated use wears a path
Droppings along walls or on top of walls
Gnawed bird feeders, plant pots or compost bins
Pets becoming agitated or digging at a particular spot

Mice are less likely to burrow but will use existing gaps and sheltered areas. If you have bird feeders, keep the spillage cleared, it is a reliable food source for rats.

What to do if you spot the signs

Do not panic

Rodent problems are common and treatable.

Do not tidy everything away

If you sweep away droppings and clear the nest, a professional has less to work with. Leave the area roughly as it is.

Look for the entry points

Gaps around pipes, cables, doors, air bricks and the roofline are common routes in.

Call a professional for advice

Describe what you have found and where. Early treatment is cheaper and easier than an established infestation.

Why professional treatment works

Shop-bought traps and poisons rarely deal with the whole problem. They miss the nest, they miss the entry points, and they can put pets, children and wildlife at risk if used incorrectly. Professional rat and mouse control identifies the source, treats the active infestation and addresses how the rodents are getting in.

If you have found droppings, heard scratching or seen signs of activity, call 07552372561 or request a quote. We cover Bude, Launceston, Holsworthy and the surrounding area, with free quotes and no hidden charges.

Common questions

What does rat droppings look like?＋

Rat droppings are dark, capsule-shaped and roughly the size of a grain of rice. They are often found along walls, behind appliances and in lofts or sheds.

What does mouse droppings look like?＋

Mouse droppings are small, about the size of a grain of rice with pointed ends, and are commonly found in cupboards, pantries and other food storage areas.

How do I know if I have rats in my roof?＋

Scratching and scurrying sounds from the loft at night, gnawed cables or wood in the roof space, droppings in loft insulation and a musky smell are common signs of rats in the roof.

Are rats in the garden a problem?＋

Yes. Rats in the garden can find their way into the house, shed or outbuildings, and they are attracted by bird feeders, compost heaps and pet food. Signs include burrows, runs and droppings.

When should I call a professional?＋

If you are finding droppings regularly, hearing activity at night, or have found a nest, call for advice. Rodents reproduce quickly, so early treatment is the reliable option.

How quickly can you attend?＋

We aim to arrange the earliest available appointment, often the same day. If the problem is urgent, say so when you call.

Written by

Jack

Jack is the owner of SW Pest Management, a local pest control business based in North Cornwall covering Bude, Launceston, Holsworthy and the surrounding area.

More about SW Pest Management →