Rats in Walls: How to Find and Remove Them

Scratching, scurrying and squeaking behind the plaster is a classic sign of rats in the walls. Wall voids, cavities around pipes and conduits, and gaps behind cabinets give them hidden routes through the home, and they are hard to reach.

This guide explains how to find them and what to do.

The short answer

Rats living in walls are usually heard at night as scratching, scurrying or gnawing, and may leave droppings, grease marks and gnaw holes at the edges of wall voids. They get in through gaps around pipes, vents, cables and cracks and travel through cavities behind cabinets, ducts and false ceilings. To remove them, locate the entry points and activity, use traps or professional methods, avoid blocking them in, then seal all entry points and holes and repair damage. Poison inside walls risks dead rats and smell, so professional guidance is advised.

Signs

1. Scratching, running or gnawing sounds in walls, particularly at night.
2. Droppings near skirting, behind furniture and at wall openings.
3. Greasy smears and gnaw marks near holes.
4. Small holes in skirting, corners and behind cabinets.
5. Musty smell, or a strong odour if a rat has died.
6. Damaged wires or lights flickering in severe cases.

How they get in

• Gaps around pipes, drains and conduits.
• Cracks in walls, floors and foundations.
• Vents, AC pipe openings and chimney gaps.
• Gaps under doors and around frames.
• Connections from the roof space and neighbouring voids.

How to find where they are

• Listen at different times and note the location of the sounds.
• Look for droppings and grease marks that show runways.
• Place a few traps along walls and watch where they are triggered.
• Use a professional's tools, such as cameras and detectors, if needed.

Removal

1. Trapping: Place snap or cage traps along walls where rats travel, with suitable bait.
2. Professional treatment: A technician can place enclosed bait stations and traps safely, and handle wall voids.
3. Avoid blocking them in: Seal entry points only after the rats are gone, so they do not die inside the wall.
4. Avoid loose poison inside walls: It may lead to dead rats and smell.

Sealing and repair

• Close all holes with metal mesh and cement or suitable sealant.
• Repair damaged plaster and wiring.
• Seal gaps around pipes, cables and vents.
• Check the roof space and outside walls for entry points.

Cleaning

Wear gloves and a mask, damp-wipe droppings, disinfect and dispose of waste safely.

When to call a professional

Rats in walls are hard to handle alone. A professional can find the routes, remove the rats and proof the building.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a rat or something else?

Rats are heard at night. Squirrels are usually active by day, and lizards or insects make lighter sounds.

Should I break open the wall?

Not usually. Locate and treat first. A professional can advise.

How long will it take?

Often days to a couple of weeks, depending on the infestation and proofing.

What if a rat dies in the wall?

The smell can last for a while. See our guide on dead rat smells.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on rodent control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full rodent control guide for Bangalore.