Rats are creative travelers that may find themselves in all sorts of places, searching for food and shelter. One place they commonly end up is in the garage, as the opening and closing the large door combined with clutter, many openings, and fewer perceived threats than in the home means that rats often find themselves in your garage, and if you walk into the garage at the right moment, you may see or hear one.

As specialists in rat control here at ExtermPRO, we often hear from customers – and future customer – the moment they even suspect a rat. But if you find one in your garage, how much do you need to worry? Is it a one time event or a significant problem?

Rats, Garages, and Entrances

The appearance of a rat in your garage does not automatically imply an infestation. However, it does warrant a careful examination of your home for potential signs of more rodents. These include:

• Possible Entry Points – Rats require only a small opening to enter a building. Check for gaps or holes near the garage door, windows, and walls. A solitary rat might have found a temporary refuge or could be scouting for a suitable nesting area.
• Evidence of Nesting – Look for signs of nesting materials like shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter. Rats nest in secluded areas, so finding such materials can suggest the presence of more rats.
• Droppings and Tracks – Rat droppings or footprints in dusty areas are indicative of an active rat population. More frequent sightings of these signs might point to multiple rodents, or rodents that are visiting and revisiting your property often.

If the rats was a one time invader that has no intention of coming back, you should find very few droppings (if any), very limited damage, and no other signs of rats. But if you see many droppings, visible signs of rodents, or any reason to believe the rat may have been there more than once, it’s safe to assume that, even if the rat doesn’t live on your property, they’re comfortable making their way into the garage when they want to.

It is also important to keep in mind that rats follow each other’s scents. So, even if the rat you saw was only there once by accident, if you are not careful it is possible that other rats may follow in the future.

Proactive Measures Against Rat Infestations

If you encounter a rat in your garage, taking proactive steps can help prevent an infestation. If you are a current customer, it may be worth asking us for a visit to see if what we recommend, or to let us know what you intend to do. Some ways that you can prevent revisiting rats include:

• Seal Entry Points – Close off any openings larger than a quarter-inch. Use steel wool and caulk to seal gaps and cracks. However, keep in mind that this is only a good idea if you’re certain the rat is gone. If the rat is trapped in your home, it may die there and cause a foul smell, or panic and leave droppings and cause damage all over the garage.
• Remove Food Sources – Keep your garage free of accessible food. Secure garbage bins and remove pet food immediately after feeding. Keep nothing they can feed on inside of your garage that might be interesting for rats.
• Use Traps and Baits – Set up traps or bait stations around potential entry points. Monitoring these can help assess the level of rodent activity or aid in your removal of rats.

Of course, it is also a good idea to consider professional help. Consider consulting with a ExtermPRO if you notice multiple signs of rat activity or if initial efforts to eliminate them do not succeed. Professionals can offer more comprehensive solutions such as a complete evaluation of your property to identify all potential entry points and signs of rodent activity, strategies tailored to your specific situation, including the safe use of rodenticides and traps, and advice on long-term prevention of rodent infestations to keep your home secure.

While a single rat in your garage does not necessarily indicate an infestation, it should not be ignored. Assessing the situation to determine the extent of the problem and taking decisive action can prevent potential infestations from developing. By understanding rat behavior and implementing preventive measures, you can protect your home from these unwelcome guests.