“After a heck-ton of comments saying that it’s a rat’s tail, I can now confirm that it is a rat’s tail…I’ll be calling an exterminator soon to properly deal with the situation. Thank you everyone!” the curious cyber fan wrote, adding, “Someone from the comments quoted ‘When there is one, there is a hundred you can’t see.’ God, I hope not.”
But, when there’s one, there’s likely more, as rats are very social creatures and “prefer living in groups,” according to PBS Nature.
Unwanted roommates
While the post was good for a laugh, it also shined a spotlight on a very real issue: hidden rodent infestations in residential homes.
Rodents like rats and mice often inhabit crawlspaces, attic insulation, and wall voids – completely undetected until they leave behind clues, like droppings, scratches, or, in the case of the OP; a tail cameo.
And, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that “Rodents can carry many diseases that can spread directly or indirectly to people.”
One of these diseases is hantavirus, the rare but potentially fatal disease that claimed the life of Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa in February 2025.
How to deal with an infestation
“You may never see a mouse or rat unless an infestation is severe,” explains the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But, there are some clues to help recognize that your home is being shared with some rodents:
- Rodent droppings
- Nesting material
- Signs of chewing on food packagingContinue reading…
