What do rats look like?
The brown rat, the most common UK species, is a large rodent with:
- A body roughly 20 to 25cm long, plus a tail slightly shorter than the body
- Brown or grey fur, with a paler underside
- A blunt nose, small ears and a thick, scaly tail
Rats are often confused with mice. If you are not sure, read our guide to mouse vs rat.
Signs of rats
- Droppings. Large, capsule-shaped droppings of about 12mm or more, often found along walls, near food and in lofts
- Noises. Scratching, gnawing or thumping in walls, ceilings and under floors, especially at night
- Gnaw marks. On wood, pipes, cables and packaging
- Burrows. Holes of roughly 6 to 9cm in the ground near walls, sheds, compost heaps and under decking
- Smears. Dark, greasy marks along walls and pipes where rats regularly run
- Smell. A musty, ammonia-like odour in enclosed spaces
- Pets acting oddly, such as barking, scratching at walls or sniffing at spots
Why rats come to your property
Rats look for food, water and shelter. Common attractions include open bins, food waste, bird feeders, compost heaps, pet food left outside, overgrown gardens and damaged drains.
What to do if you think you have rats
- Remove food sources, store waste in sealed bins and clear up any spilled bird seed or pet food
- Check for gaps and damaged drains and block entry points with metal mesh and cement
- Do not use poison yourself, as it risks children, pets and wildlife and can cause rats to die in hard-to-reach places
- Call a professional, because rats are cautious, breed quickly and usually need expert treatment
If you find rats in a public space or a neighbouring property, report them to your local council. Wondering what treatment costs? See how much pest control costs in the UK.
Health risks
Rats can spread diseases, including Weil's disease, and contaminate food and surfaces. Wear gloves when cleaning up and wash your hands afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a rat?
An adult brown rat has a body of roughly 20 to 25cm, not including the tail.
Do rats go away on their own?
Rarely. If they have food and shelter, they usually stay and breed.
Can rats get into the house?
Yes. They can squeeze through gaps of around 2cm (check against your preferred source), and they can climb and swim.
Spotted signs of rats?
Visit anticimex.co.uk to speak to our team about an inspection and treatment.