Those unsettling scratching noises at night or faint smells can be extremely worrying. Often, the culprits are hidden deep within your home’s structure – in wall and ceiling cavities, or your loft space. A professional pest control survey is the definitive way to get answers. Specialists have the skills and tools to identify activity in these hidden areas, going far beyond what a homeowner can see or hear.
Beyond sound: The pest inspection checklist
While unusual scratching noises at night are the most common indicator, a pest controller follows a comprehensive pest inspection checklist that includes:
- Droppings: The size, shape, and location of droppings are key to identifying the pest (e.g., small, granular mouse droppings vs. larger, capsule-shaped rat droppings). Professionals will find them in secluded corners.
- Gnaw marks: Rodents constantly gnaw to keep their teeth in check. Rat gnaw marks identification involves looking for parallel grooves on wood, plastic, or even electrical cables. These are often found near entry points or food sources.
- Smear marks: Rats and mice leave greasy rub marks along their habitual routes, particularly where they squeeze through tight spaces. These oily marks are often seen along skirting boards or pipework.
- Nests: Shredded insulation, fabric, or paper can indicate a nesting site in a loft or wall cavity.
- Tracks and runs: In dusty areas of a loft or basement, faint tracks might be visible.
Advanced techniques: Signs of rats in wall cavity and signs of mice in attic
Accessing and investigating hidden cavities is where specialist skills are invaluable.
- Borescope camera inspection: This is a key tool. A small, flexible camera can be inserted into tiny drilled holes (or existing gaps) in walls, ceilings, or under floorboards to visually confirm activity, identify nests, and locate entry points without major disruption.
- UV tracking dust: Food-grade, fluorescent dust can be strategically placed. Rodents pick it up on their fur and feet, leaving glowing trails visible under UV light, which helps track their movements and pinpoint hidden entry points.
- Acoustic monitoring: Advanced listening devices can amplify and pinpoint the exact source of those unusual scratching noises at night, distinguishing between different pest movements.
- Thermal imaging: In some cases, thermal cameras can detect the heat signature of a nest or active rodents within a cavity.
These techniques allow professionals to gather crucial evidence for rat gnaw marks identification and to confirm signs of mice in attic or walls, leading to a targeted and effective treatment plan.
Why a professional pest control survey matters
A professional pest control survey provides:
- Accurate identification: Crucial for choosing the right treatment.
- Precise location: Pinpoints nests and runs, making treatment more effective.
- Entry point identification: Key for long-term rodent proofing, addressing how they got in.
- Severity assessment: Determines the extent of the infestation.
Why use Rated People for a pest control survey?
Don’t let unusual scratching noises at night cause ongoing stress. Our platform connects you with experienced pest controllers who conduct thorough pest inspection checklists and employ advanced techniques to find signs of rats in wall cavity or signs of mice in attic. They provide clear, actionable advice to resolve your pest problem effectively.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.
