Help identify droppings please!!

LJB · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 07:58 PM

Hi
First posting, I hope I've loaded the image successfully!!
I have found these mysterious droppings in my kitchen along the edge of the wall by the cooker on two occasions recently. Both times droppings have been in wet puddle - urine? At first I was worried that they were a rat although they don't look anything like rat droppings but couldn't think of anything else that could have deposited them!! However there has been no gnawing or nibbling of food to suggest it is a rodent. I'm now wondering if it is possibly a frog or toad?!!! Although where it's hiding out I've no idea as I've searched under all the cupboards! Droppings have been around 1.5cm long.
Any suggestions or positive identifications would be much appreciated!
Thanks
LJB

djackso · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 08:08 PM

What features make you think they are not rat droppings, because the most likely explanation is a rat.

Rodents require water, if you have a fridge/freezer, look behind this, if it has a grill, look at this - rats like to hide in flattened vertical spaces, in my experience - oh, just don't ask.

djackso · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 08:11 PM

Sorry - just saw your post. Still look like rat faeces to me.

HOPE YOU WERE VERY CAREFUL when you picked that pencil up. Weil's disease is pretty serious. You must wash your hands, use disinfectant etc.

mh68 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 08:22 PM

Hi LJB welcome to the forums, your pics posted fine

The only suspect I can think of at the moment is a Rat. Theyre certainly not from any of the smaller rodents...
I`ll have a think and come back if i can come up with any other alternatives...

Mark H

LJB · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 09:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. Just that they didn't look like rat droppings I've seen before - not pellet shaped and rather long!! And yes, that pencil went straight in the bin and copious amounts of disenfecting has taken place. Have left out bait / rat killer but nothing been taken so that's why I wasn't sure.

mh68 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 09:55 PM

The only other droppings i`ve seen that are similar would be those of a very young hedgehog, but i`m sure you would have noticed one of those wandering around your home

Theyre too large for any of the other rodents,so apart from those already mentioned i`m at a loss really...

Mark H

thunder · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 10:44 PM

I wonder if they might be from a large slug? Any silvery tracks about? They certainly don't look like any rat dropping I have ever seen.

henrya

mh68 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunder

I wonder if they might be from a large slug? Any silvery tracks about? They certainly don't look like any rat dropping I have ever seen.

henrya

Thats an interesting thought Henry, I agree they dont look too much like Rat, but thats all I could think of.I hadnt considered a "non-mammal" culprit...

Mark H

djackso · #9 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 06:05 AM

I wouldn't rule out the "large mouse".

http://www.pestcontrol-products.com/..._droppings.jpg (rat droppings)

Unless someone can spot the difference?

mh68 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djackso

I wouldn't rule out the "large mouse".

http://www.pestcontrol-products.com/..._droppings.jpg (rat droppings)

Unless someone can spot the difference?

Looks like you did the same google search as me, i found the same pic late last night

The lack of feeding signs in LJB`s case is puzzling though, Rats are usually into everything...

Mark H