7 Signs You Have Rats in Your Attic (and What to Do Next)

By Pantheon Pests · Updated 2026-09-17

Noises after dark

Roof rats are nocturnal. Scratching, scurrying or gnawing in the ceiling between 10 p.m. and dawn is the most common first sign. Squirrels, by contrast, are loudest at sunrise.

Droppings and grease marks

Rat droppings are dark, spindle-shaped and about half an inch long. You may also notice dark rub marks along beams where oily fur repeatedly touches the wood.

Chewed wiring and insulation

Rats gnaw constantly. Chewed wire insulation is a genuine fire risk and one of the main reasons to act quickly.

Entry points

Look for gaps at the roofline, unscreened vents and utility penetrations. A rat needs only a half-inch gap.

What to do

Trapping alone does not solve it. Pair trapping with rodent exclusion so the next generation cannot move in. If you suspect a larger animal, our animal in attic removal team can identify it from the sounds and droppings.