What do rat droppings look like? - briefly
Rat feces are small, dark brown to black pellets about ¼‑½ inch long with a tapered, pointed end. They commonly appear in clusters along walls, in concealed corners, and may show a faint oily sheen.
What do rat droppings look like? - in detail
Rat feces are typically ½ to ¾ inch (12–20 mm) long and about ¼ inch (6–8 mm) wide. They have a cylindrical shape with blunt ends and a slightly tapered tip. Fresh droppings are dark brown to black, turning grayish‑brown as they dry. The surface is smooth, glossy when moist, and becomes matte after desiccation. A characteristic ridge or seam runs along the length of each pellet, reflecting the animal’s peristaltic motion.
Key visual markers include:
- Size range: 12–20 mm length, 6–8 mm width.
- Shape: Straight, slightly tapered, cylindrical; no pointed tips.
- Color: Dark brown to black when fresh; gray‑brown when aged.
- Texture: Moist and shiny when newly deposited; dry and crumbly after exposure to air.
- Surface detail: Single longitudinal ridge; occasional faint fur or urine stains nearby.
Compared with mouse droppings, rat pellets are larger, thicker, and lack the pointed, triangular ends typical of mice. They may be found in clusters along walls, behind appliances, in attic insulation, or within concealed voids. Accumulation of several pellets in a single location often indicates an active infestation.