Rat Facts
Rats are intelligent and resilient rodents. Rats are also close cousins of mice, squirrels, and chipmunks. “True rats” like roof rats and Norway rats are in the genus Rattus, although other rodent species are sometimes referred to as rats. These are all part of the superfamily, Muroidea.
In nature, some rat species build underground burrows, while others live in trees. These pests will gladly take advantage of your home — seeking shelter in the walls or attic, snacking on food scraps, and building nests out of whatever they can find. Rats will eat virtually anything, even each other, but prefer meats and grains. They like nuts, seeds, fruits, berries, insects, snails, and earthworms.
Rat Infestation
Rats can enter your home through openings as small as a quarter. Where they settle in your home often depends on the species. Roof rats, which are naturally strong climbers, will get into the attic and other upper levels of the home. Norway rats prefer to burrow and often get into basements, garages, and walls.
Types of Rats
Rat Identification
Rats are generally larger than mice, at about 12 to 18 inches long. Rats weight approximately four to 12 ounces. They are usually brown to black in color depending on the species. These critters compensate for poor eyesight with excellent senses of taste, smell, and hearing. They live in groups and can reproduce quickly. A female rat can birth four to six litters a year. Each litter has between six and 12 pups.
Rats in the Home & Attic
Rats like clutter to hide in and build their nests. They will use any material they can find to build nests including fabric, paper, and cardboard. Rats can damage your home from their constant gnawing, contaminate food, and expose you and your family to dangerous diseases. These pests can transmit a variety of dangerous bacteria that can cause diseases like Lassa fever, rat-bite fever, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and the bubonic plague. Like other rodents, rats can also bring fleas, mites, and other parasites into your home.
Different Kinds of Rats
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rats bite?
Rats have been known to bite people and pets. A rat will bite if it feels threatened or is starving. These bites can be dangerous because rats can transmit bacteria that can cause diseases like rat-bite fever.
How do I get rid of rats in my walls?
The best way to get rid of rats is to trap and remove the entire rat colony. This ensures that all the rats are gone and prevents the possibility of a dead rat getting stuck in the wall and creating a bad odor. You can protect your home from rats by trimming back trees and bushes around your home where they like to hide. Seal any cracks in your foundation or roofline. Secure garbage can lids so rats aren’t attracted by the food inside. Keep bird feeders far away from the house and keep pet food inside as these can attract rats.
Homes or properties that face rat infestations should immediately call a licensed pest control expert to remove them. This ensures the safety of everyone on the property.
What are the benefits of professional rat or rodent pest control?
Finding and removing rats on a property can be challenging, especially if there are numerous nesting sites in the attic, basement, or walls of a business or home.
Expert pest specialists have the educational background, equipment, and skill to control and remove rodents from a property in a safe, efficient way.
If you’re struggling with rodents like rats on your property, contact us. Our technicians can remove the critters and help you regain control of your property and sanity.
