Do Rats Live Underground?

If you see small holes popping up around your yard, it could be a sign a critter has burrowed under your home or business. While common burrowing rodents like moles and vols could be responsible for the damage to your yard, there is a possibility that rats are to blame.

Here’s how to tell if rats have burrowed into your Polk County property and how to get rid of them.

Can Rats Live Underground?

Instead of making traditional nests, some rats will create underground burrows for food storage and shelter. Their holes will typically have one main entrance, a few side exits, and several tunnels connecting the nest together. Rat tunnels are usually two to four inches wide and can reach depths of more than 18 inches underground. And as a rat’s colony grows, the burrows will expand.

Signs of Invasive Rats

There are a few other signs to look for that signal rats are on your property. Some common giveaways include:

• Grease stains – Rodents are covered in a greasy substance that leaves a mark when they squeeze through cracks and create pathways throughout your property.
  
  
• Squeaks and scratches – If you hear squeaking, digging, or scratching noises in your yard, it could be a sign the rats are in their burrows.
  
  
• Droppings and smells – Rat feces looks like small, dark pellets and are commonly found along pathways near burrow entrances. Rat urine and droppings will give off a strong ammonia scent.

The faster you notice the signs of rats, the sooner you can act. While you may be tempted to remove the rats yourself, you’ll be at a greater risk of being bitten or scratched. Instead of risking your own safety, call the rat removal experts at Critter Control® of Polk County.

Safe and Effective Rat Removal Services

At Critter Control® of Polk County, we use a proven rat removal method that is eco-friendly and non-toxic. Our four-step process includes inspection, removal, exclusion and property restoration.

Let the experienced wildlife removal technicians at Critter Control® of Polk County quickly and safely remove unwanted pests from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our effective rat removal services, call Critter Control® of Polk County today at 863-204-2815.