Pest Guide for Rats
Rats are notorious for dwelling in city subway tunnels, garbage cans, sewer systems, and more, and because of this, they’ve developed a bad reputation. We know the last thing you want is a rat in your home or office, so we’ve developed a guide to help you identify them and prevent an infestation.
Features & Diet
Though there are some differences overall, rats tend to look like mice on a larger scale. They have long, round bodies, pointy noses, often hairless tails, and can have furry or hairless ears. One of the major differences between mice and rats are the size of their bodies in proportion to their tails and ears. Mouse tails and ears tend to be much longer than their bodies while rat tails and ears are smaller. Look for rats in darker fur colors like brown, gray, or black.
In terms of their diet, rats aren’t very picky about what they eat. They’ll feed on things like grains, fruits, seeds, vegetables, nuts, and anything else they may find. Rats sometimes even hunt insects and other small animals when they need to.
Habitat
When it comes to nesting in your home or office, different rats have different behaviors. While Norway rats nest along foundations or in basements, roof rats prefer higher ground like attics and pack rats can be found in barns or structures in wooded areas.
Like mice, rats are nocturnal rodents and will search for dark areas to hide. This means you’re unlikely to notice them during the day but you may hear them at night.
Signs of Infestation & Prevention
Think you have a rat problem? Detecting them can be difficult – here’s what to look for:
- Droppings
- Rub marks on walls or furniture
- Nests made of shredded paper, cardboard, or insulation
- Scratching noises
- Chew marks/holes in electrical wiring, food packages, wood, and more
- Unusual pet behavior
We know no one wants a rat infestation in their home or office. Here are some ways to prevent them from invading:
- Keep your kitchen and pantry clean. Crumbs and spilled food are an easy invitation for rodents.
- Make sure your indoor and outdoor garbage cans have secure lids.
- Check all entry points in your home and make sure there are no gaps or holes.
- Inspect your roof for breakages, gaps, or leaks.
- Frequently clean behind any large pieces of furniture and in dark areas.
If you do find that you have a rat problem in your building, getting rid of them can be tough. If traditional rat traps don’t work, give our pest control company a call. We can help.
