Gnaw Marks: Should You Be Concerned?

Imagine coming home to relax and finding gnaw marks on your skirting board. Or, if you run a business, discovering gnaw marks on cupboards in a food storage area. Whatever the scene, you’re probably going to be filled with a sense of dread.

But don’t worry, because at Pest Defence, we’re here to help you with our guide to gnaw marks. We’ll talk you through what to look out for and what to do next, so that you can take the right steps to rid yourself of whichever pest is keeping you up at night and – hopefully – prevent a full-blown infestation.

What Causes Gnaw Marks?

As with many things in life, the most obvious answer is usually the right one: gnaw marks are caused by rodents. Rats and mice have incisors that are growing all the time. Not only do they use them to keep their teeth down to a manageable size, but they also use them to create access routes.

Whether they’re looking for food, water, shelter or a safe place to create a nest, rats and mice use their teeth as handy tools for gnawing through wood, wires, plastics and sometimes even soft metals. 

While squirrels can also be known to gnaw, they’re less commonly found in homes and businesses.

Where Are Gnaw Marks Commonly Found?

In your home, you’ll typically find gnaw marks in the following places:

• Around your skirting board and the bottom of doors
• In kitchen cupboards, including the cupboard itself as well as food packaging
• On cables, wiring and pipes behind appliances

If you run a business, you might notice gnaw marks in these locations:

• In storage areas and around food containers in restaurants
• Around your kitchen and break rooms in an office
• In your warehouse if you store goods

If you have a garden or outdoor space, look out for gnaw marks here:

• In your shed or garage
• Around your compost bins
• On any fencing, decking or outbuilding

What Do Rat Gnaw Marks Look Like?

The first thing to note about rat gnaw marks is that they are often larger and deeper than those left by mice. Any gnawing by a rodent will begin lighter in colour and darken over time.

What you should be looking out for is paired grooves of roughly 2-4mm, as this is the classic characteristic of rat incisors. Alongside the gnaw marks, you might also notice shredded material, such as paper, insulation or textiles; this indicates a potential nest is being made somewhere in your property.

Should You Be Concerned About Gnaw Marks?

While you should be concerned by gnaw marks, you shouldn’t panic. It’s important to consult professional pest control experts to get an understanding of whether you have an infestation and how you get rid of one. If you ignore the early warning signs of pests, such as gnaw marks, you could risk further property damage, fire risks and health hazards.

At Pest Defence, we have decades of experience in dealing with both mouse and rat control. You can learn more about our tips and advice on rats and rodents in our resource centre.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, we can help identify the pest at the root of your issue and provide services to eliminate them. Talk to us today about the next steps when you notice gnaw marks in your property in London or Essex and get a rapid response.