7 Signs You Have Rats in Your Attic (And What to Do Before They Chew the Wiring)
Roof rats are the most common attic invader in Florida. They climb power lines, palm trees and stucco, squeeze through a gap the size of a quarter, and set up in your insulation. Here is how to know they're there and what actually fixes it.
1. Scratching or scurrying after dark
Roof rats are nocturnal. Light, quick movement in the ceiling between 10 pm and 4 am is the classic sign. Heavier thumping is more likely a raccoon.
2. Droppings
Dark, spindle-shaped droppings about half an inch long in the garage, pantry, under sinks or along the attic rafters.
3. Greasy rub marks
Rats follow the same routes and leave oily smears along baseboards, pipes and beams.
4. Chewed fruit on the tree
Hollowed-out oranges and grapefruit still on the branch are a Florida-specific tell.
5. Nests in insulation
Shredded insulation, paper and fabric packed into corners of the attic.
6. Pets acting strange
Dogs and cats fixated on a wall or ceiling are usually right.
7. Gnawed wiring
The dangerous one. Rats chew constantly to keep their teeth short, and wiring is a favorite. This is a fire risk, not a nuisance.
What actually works
Bait boxes alone lead to dead rats in walls and a new generation next month. Proper rodent control means trapping the rats inside, then exclusion: sealing every entry point along the roofline, soffits and utility penetrations with materials rats can't chew. Then sanitize and, if needed, replace contaminated insulation.
Hear noises tonight? Find your city on our service area page or call (833) 659-0727 for same day rodent control anywhere in Florida.