Finding rat droppings in your property is more than just an unpleasant discovery—it’s a serious health concern that requires immediate attention. As Oklahoma’s trusted property maintenance experts, OFS provides essential guidance on identifying, cleaning, and preventing rodent problems.
Identifying Rat Droppings
Rat droppings are often the first sign of an infestation. These dark, pellet-shaped droppings measure about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, with fresh droppings appearing dark and moist. You’ll typically find them concentrated near food sources, in drawers, under sinks, and along walls. They’re notably larger than mouse droppings, which are smaller and have distinctly pointed ends.
Additional Signs of Rat Activity
While droppings are a clear indicator, rats leave other telling signs of their presence. You might notice gnaw marks on walls, food packages, and wooden structures. Rats also create nests using shredded paper or plant matter, often accompanied by a distinctive foul odor. Listen for scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, and watch for grease marks along walls and floorboards where rats frequently travel.
Safe Cleaning Procedures
After confirming rat activity, it’s crucial to follow proper cleaning procedures to protect your health. Begin by waiting one week after eliminating rats before cleaning to reduce health risks. This waiting period is essential for your safety.
Start by preparing the area properly. Open windows and doors for 30 minutes to ventilate the space, ideally creating cross-ventilation when possible. Never sweep or vacuum droppings, as this can release dangerous particles into the air.
When you’re ready to clean, wear disposable gloves and consider using a mask for additional protection. Prepare a bleach solution using one part bleach to ten parts water. Spray the droppings with this disinfectant and allow the solution to soak for five minutes before using paper towels to remove the waste. Double-bag all cleaning materials for safe disposal.
After removing the droppings, focus on thorough disinfection. Steam clean any affected carpets and upholstery, and wash contaminated fabrics in hot water. Finally, dispose of your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Health Risks of Rat Droppings
The presence of rat droppings poses serious health risks to property occupants. These droppings can transmit several dangerous diseases, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Leptospirosis, and Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis. The risk becomes even more severe when droppings dry and become airborne, making professional handling crucial for larger infestations.
Professional Rat Control Solutions
While proper cleaning is essential, it only addresses part of the problem. OFS offers comprehensive rodent control services that include thorough property inspection, identification of entry points, and implementation of exclusion measures. Our team provides ongoing monitoring and prevention, ensuring not only the safe removal of rodents and waste but also long-term protection for your property.
Preventing Future Infestations
Prevention is key to maintaining a rat-free environment. Focus on sealing all potential entry points and maintaining clean food storage areas. Keep outdoor spaces well-maintained by removing potential food sources and trimming vegetation away from buildings. Regular pest inspections can catch problems early, preventing major infestations from developing.
Contact OFS for Professional Rat Control
Don’t risk your health trying to handle a rat infestation alone. OFS provides expert pest control services throughout Oklahoma, ensuring your property stays safe and rodent-free.
Contact our experienced team today:
Tulsa: 918-282-0465 OKC: 405-963-4156
Trust Oklahoma’s leading facility services provider to handle your pest control needs safely and effectively.
