Brown rats are one of the most widespread rat species in Europe. If you suspect that the rodents have nested in your area, rat droppings are the most striking evidence of an infestation. Here we will tell you how to recognize brown rat droppings.

In a nutshell

  • Brown rats droppings as a health risk
  • 1-3 cm long, spindle-shaped droppings
  • faeces accumulated in groups
  • Elimination possible in compliance with protective measures

recognize brown rats

Brown rats (rattus norvegicus) are considered the archetype of today's laboratory and house rats (rattus rattus). You can recognize them by the following characteristics:

  • brown to gray fur
  • Length: 19 - 30 cm (head torso)
  • Tail length: 13-32 cm tail length
  • Weight: up to 500g

Overall, they are slightly larger than their relatives, but have a shorter tail, smaller ears and a less pointed snout. Brown rats need access to water and therefore prefer to live in damp habitats such as sewers, streams or damp burrows. Due to the destruction of their natural habitats, however, they are increasingly being pushed into the territory of the black rat and thus into the domestic environment.

Brown rats are often found in natural surroundings.

Recognizing brown rat droppings - what does it look like?

If you find droppings in your home, it is worth examining it more closely to identify the animal. A differentiation between brown rats and black rats is particularly important. House rats are considered an endangered species and are under special protection. Brown rats, on the other hand, can be eliminated with a snap trap as a last resort if gentler methods are unsuccessful. A look at our table helps to identify brown rat droppings correctly:

brown rat droppingsrat droppings
tapering spindle-shaped
(cf. rice grain)		banana shaped
1 - 3 cm long0.5 - 2 cm long
rather wide and thickrather long and thin
lies together in groupsscattered throughout the house
black dark brown
irregularevenly
Differentiation criteria between brown rat droppings and black rat droppings Rat droppings differ from house rat droppings in a number of ways.

Brown rats leave their droppings all over the territory, but contact is very likely, especially in basement rooms. There is a particular need for action if the droppings are still fresh or you find rat droppings of different sizes, as this indicates an increase in the population. Consult the health department or a pest controller.

tip: Dried droppings can be pierced with a wooden stick, while fresh droppings are soft, shiny and dark and stick to the wood.

Dangers of brown rat droppings

When finding feces, one should not panic at first. It's entirely possible that a rat just made its way through your apartment. Nevertheless, caution is advised: the droppings of the animals transmit more than 100 diseases, among others

  • spotted fever
  • rabies
  • tuberculosis
  • cholera
  • hantavirus
  • animal diseases such as swine fever

Rat droppings contaminate food and feed and pose a risk to humans. For this reason, there is already a strong suspicion that rats are present and there is an obligation to report in accordance with the official regulation on rat control.

Removal of brown rat droppings and odor

If you have identified rat droppings in your area, it is therefore important to remove them as soon as possible. Due to the high risk of infection, the elimination goes far beyond conventional cleaning, as you can see from our instructions:

  • comprehensive ventilation of the room
  • Putting on a protective mask and hygienic gloves
  • Remove faeces and smaller excrements with broom and shovel
  • Dispose of the excrements in a well sealed garbage bag
  • allow hot water with all-purpose cleaner to act on the affected area of the floor for 20 minutes
  • Mop and disinfect floor
  • cleaning again with water and all-purpose cleaner
  • Use chlorine bleach to neutralize odors
  • Thoroughly clean used equipment

A modified form of the list applies to the removal of brown rat droppings from other surfaces. In the garden, the droppings can simply be poked out and removed with a spade.

Special hygiene measures must be observed when removing brown rat droppings.

notice: During removal, the faeces should never come into contact with the skin or inhale faecal particles, as this is how diseases are transmitted.

frequently asked Questions

What should I do if I have inhaled brown rat droppings?

Since inhaling the feces can result in an infection with the dangerous hantavirus, a doctor should be consulted urgently. This can treat any symptoms well.

Is dried poop still dangerous?

Yes, brown rat droppings can still transmit diseases even after drying and should therefore always be disposed of in compliance with protective measures.

Can rat droppings also be dangerous for my pets?

Yes, just like humans, animals can be at risk. Dogs, in particular, tend to eat poop that is lying around. If you suspect your pet has eaten infected feces, see a veterinarian. In case of suspicion, it is advisable to bring a sample of the feces in a small bag.

How can I prevent rats?

Rats are attracted to food. Therefore, never flush food down the toilet and do not leave it lying around. A clean environment and, if necessary, the installation of backwater flaps are also helpful

Category:

Garden pests