Let’s face it — finding droppings in your home or business is grim. But it’s also your first major clue that something’s not right.
And if you’re wondering whether you’ve got rats, mice, or something else entirely, this guide walks you through exactly how to tell — plus what to do about it. I’ll cover:
- How to identify rat droppings
- The dangers they pose to your health
- Step-by-step safe clean-up methods
- When to call in the pros
- And how to stop them coming back
Let’s start with the basics.
What Rat Droppings Look Like
Fresh rat droppings are dark brown or black, moist-looking, and shaped like little capsules — think of chunky grains of rice. Here’s a pic to help:
Here’s what to look for:
- Length: Around 12–19mm (½ to ¾ of an inch)
- Ends: Blunt if it’s a Norway rat, pointy if it’s a roof rat
- Texture: Soft when fresh, turns greyish and crumbly after a few days
You’ll usually find droppings in places rats travel or nest: under appliances, in cupboards, behind skirting boards, lofts, basements, or near food.
Spot 30–50+ droppings in a night? That’s just one rat. So a handful of pellets can point to a potentially bigger issue.
Rat Poop vs Mouse, Squirrel and Roach Droppings
Not sure if it’s from a rat? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Pest | Size/Shape | Colour/Texture | Where You’ll Find It |
| Rat | 12–19mm, thick, blunt or tapered ends | Dark brown/black, dries to grey | Scattered, near food, skirting boards, nests |
| Mouse | 3–6mm, thin, pointy ends | Dark brown, fades to dusty grey | Along trails, in drawers, behind appliances |
| Squirrel | 10–12mm, segmented, bulging middle | Dark brown, sun-bleached with age | In attics, near “latrine” sites (same spot) |
| Roach | Tiny specks (1–3mm), pellet-like | Black/brown, like coffee grounds | Near food/hiding spots in kitchens, bathrooms |
Pro tip: Use a coin or ruler to measure the droppings — it’s the easiest way to tell them apart.
Why Rat Droppings Are Dangerous
These aren’t just gross. They’re packed with pathogens.
Here’s what you could be exposed to:
- Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) – from rat urine or soaked droppings; can cause liver/kidney failure
- Salmonellosis – from faeces-contaminated food or surfaces
- Hantavirus – rare in the UK but still a risk from aerosolised particles
- Listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, yersiniosis – also linked to rats
And the worst part? Even dry droppings are dangerous. Stirring them up by vacuuming or sweeping can launch infectious dust into the air — that’s why authorities advise using no-dust cleaning methods only.
Businesses beware: Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, you’re legally responsible for dealing with infestations — or risk fines and closure. In short, you can’t ignore this.
Spotting the Signs of a Rat Infestation
If you’ve found rat droppings, don’t stop there. Here’s what else to look for:
1. Gnaw Marks
Rats gnaw constantly to stop their teeth overgrowing. You’ll often spot:
- Chewed food packaging
- Bite marks on skirting boards, furniture or plastic pipes
- Exposed wiring (big fire hazard)
2. Grease or Smear Marks
They travel the same paths over and over — leaving greasy smudges along walls, ledges or beams.
3. Scratching and Squeaking
Noises at night from inside walls, ceilings, or under floorboards are a dead giveaway.
4. Nests and Bedding
They love warm, dark places. Check for shredded paper, fabric, loft insulation — anything soft they can burrow into.
5. Urine Smell
A strong, ammonia-like pong usually means heavy rat activity — especially if it’s concentrated in one area.
6. Live or Dead Rats
Obvious, but important. See one? There are likely many more hiding. They’re social animals and breed fast.
Quick stat: A pair of rats can become dozens in a matter of months. So even a few pellets should be treated seriously.
How to Clean Up Rat Droppings (The Safe Way)
This part is absolutely crucial. Clean-up done wrong can make you sick.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Ventilate the Area
Open windows and let the space air out for at least 30 minutes before you touch anything.
2. Wear PPE
That means:
- Rubber/disposable gloves
- A mask (N95 or better)
- Protective eyewear (goggles if you have them)
3. Dampen the Droppings
Spray droppings with disinfectant or a 10% bleach solution. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes. This kills bacteria and keeps dust down.
4. Wipe, Don’t Sweep
Use paper towels or a disposable cloth to gently wipe up the waste. Never vacuum or dry sweep — that sends dangerous particles airborne.
5. Double-Bag the Waste
Seal all contaminated materials — towels, gloves, even nesting fluff — in a plastic bag and bin it outside.
6. Disinfect Surfaces
Clean everything the droppings touched with more disinfectant. Pay extra attention to cracks and edges.
7. Wash Thoroughly
After you finish, wash your hands and forearms with hot water and soap. Chuck your cleaning clothes in the wash — or bin them if disposable.
Important: If you’re cleaning a large area (like a loft or commercial kitchen), it’s best to call in professionals. You might need full PPE and risk assessments under COSHH regulations.
When to Call a Professional
Not every rat sighting needs the cavalry — but there are times when DIY just won’t cut it:
Call the Pros If:
- Droppings are near food prep areas: Kitchens, cafes, or restaurants need professional-grade clean-up to stay legal.
- You find 50+ droppings or evidence across multiple rooms.
- There are nests, burrows or constant noises — all signs of a well-established colony.
- You’ve tried DIY and they keep coming back.
- You run a business and need certification or compliance under HSE standards.
Commercial spaces especially are bound by law to act fast — and proof of professional pest control can protect you from liability.
Bonus: A proper pest control technician will not just remove the rats — they’ll inspect, disinfect and proof your property to stop them coming back.
What Merlin Environmental Can Do for You
If you’re based in the UK and need professional help, Merlin Environmental offers a fully certified, nationwide rat control service — and they don’t just deal with rats, they solve the entire problem.
Here’s what that looks like:
1. Full Site Survey
You’ll get a discreet inspection from a trained technician, often using tools like endoscope cameras to check wall cavities, lofts or hidden entry points. Merlin’s team are BPCA- and CEPA-certified, meaning they follow the highest UK pest control standards.
2. Targeted Treatment
Depending on the severity, we’ll install tamper-proof bait stations or use trapping systems that are safe for people and pets. Every solution is tailored — and always compliant with health and safety regulations.
3. Proofing the Premises
Rats can squeeze through gaps as small as 12mm. Merlin technicians will seal cracks, block vents, and close entry points using steel mesh, wire wool and cement.
4. Deep Decontamination
This is where most DIY attempts fall short. Merlin decontaminates every affected area, removing droppings, urine and nesting material, and disinfecting surfaces to eliminate lingering pathogens. If you run a food business, this service is critical for hygiene compliance.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
After treatment, Merlin can install rodent activity sensors, carry out routine checks and provide 24/7 aftercare support. If anything crops up again — we’ll handle it fast.
6. Discreet, Accredited and Nationwide
From high-street shops to large warehouses, Merlin works across all industries. We’re BPCA-certified, work under the UK Code of Practice, and offer flexible scheduling — even out-of-hours visits to avoid disruption or embarrassment.
How to Keep Rats Out for Good
Prevention isn’t just an option — it’s the only way to guarantee you won’t see more droppings down the line.
Here’s what to do:
1. Seal All Entry Points
Inspect your property top to bottom. Fill cracks, plug pipe gaps, and block vents using rodent-proof materials. Don’t forget:
- Roof junctions
- Loft vents
- Under-door gaps
If a 2 pence fits in the gap, a rat probably can too.
2. Secure Bins and Refuse
Rats love overflowing bins. Keep lids closed, rinse bins often, and avoid leaving bags out overnight. Strap down lids if needed, and position bins away from doors and windows.
3. Eliminate Food Sources
Store all food — including pet food and bird seed — in sealed containers. Wipe up crumbs and spills straight away. In warehouses or cafes, use heavy-duty containers with tight lids.
4. Clear Clutter and Vegetation
Wood piles, overgrown bushes, compost heaps — these all make perfect hiding spots. Keep vegetation trimmed and tidy. Cover compost heaps with wire mesh.
5. Set Up Professional Monitoring
If you manage a larger site, commercial kitchen or block of flats, you may need bait stations installed as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. These are legal requirements in some industries.
6. Keep the Community Clean
Rats are a shared problem. In flats or shared offices, make sure neighbours follow the same hygiene standards. One neglected bin area can undo all your proofing.
Remember: It only takes one pair of rats to start a colony. Prevention is easier (and cheaper) than treatment.
Need Help? Contact Merlin Environmental Today
If you’re unsure or overwhelmed, don’t risk it.
Merlin Environmental handles everything from inspection to decontamination — quickly, safely and discreetly.
- BPCA and CEPA-certified technicians
- 24/7 national response
- Domestic and commercial coverage
- Safe, humane, fully compliant solutions
Don’t wait for it to become a full-blown infestation. Let the pros handle it.
Contact Merlin Environmental for expert rat control and decontamination services today
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
How do I know it’s rat droppings, not mice?
Measure them. Rat droppings are 12–19 mm long, chunky and blunt. Mouse droppings are tiny (3–6 mm), slender and pointy. Rats = raisins. Mice = grains of rice.
Are old droppings still infectious?
Yes. Dried droppings can release airborne pathogens when disturbed. Always disinfect before handling — even if they look old and dusty.
Can my pet get sick from rat poop?
They can. Dogs and cats can catch or carry diseases like leptospirosis. If your pet’s sniffed or eaten droppings, call your vet.
What if I only found a few pellets?
Even one rat can cause serious damage — and they never come alone for long. Get an inspection to rule out wider activity.
Why can’t I just vacuum rat poo up?
Because vacuuming spreads contaminated dust. It’s one of the worst things you can do. Always dampen, disinfect and wipe.
Where do rats tend to poo?
Along their “runways” — behind appliances, under sinks, in cupboards, attics, garages and near rubbish. They usually defecate close to food or nests.
How can I stop rats for good?
Yes, by proofing, sanitation and monitoring. Seal every gap, clean regularly, secure waste, and consider professional bait stations if needed. Or, we can do it for you. Just ask.
