Rat Footprints: How To Identify and Assess Infestations

How to Find Rat Footprints

• Dusty Areas: Look for small tracks in dusty, undisturbed areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• Grease Smudges: Rats have oily fur, and they leave greasy trails along commonly used paths.
• Flour or Powder Test: Sprinkling a fine layer of flour, baby powder, or cornstarch overnight can help reveal fresh tracks.

Where Rat Footprints Are Common

• Near Entry Points: Around doors, windows, and wall gaps where rats enter.
• Along Walls & Pipes: Rats travel along edges and structural elements for guidance.
• Food & Water Sources: Kitchen areas, garbage bins, and water leaks attract rodents.

How to Know If It's a Problem

• Footprint Patterns: If footprints frequently appear in the same locations, it's an active infestation.
• Size & Shape: Small, four-toed front prints and five-toed hind prints indicate rats.
• Freshness Check: Smudged or scattered prints suggest recent activity, while crisp prints may be older.

If you find consistent footprints, it’s time to take action with proper exclusion, sanitation, and pest control.