Rats

Rat Facts and Tips

Do you suspect you might have a rat infestation? Then you probably have questions. The rat control experts at Schendel Pest Services have answers. 

Since 1947, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses solve rat problems. These rat facts and tips are intended to help you get more information on the problem so you can make an informed decision on what to do next. If you don’t see your question here, give us a call! Our friendly experts are ready to help.

What kind of rat do I have?

By understanding what species of rat you’re dealing with on your property, you can get rid of them quickly and take proper precautions against them in the future. The two most common species of rats to invade homes and businesses are the Norway rat and roof rat.

Norway Rat characteristics:

• Brown with black hairs sprinkled throughout their coat, 
• Long dense body that ranges in length from 7-9 ½” (not including the tail). From nose to tip of tail, they are about 13 to 18”. The tail is shorter than body length.
• Small eyes
• Small ears with hair
• In outdoor settings, Norway rats are found in fields and riverbanks; they especially like burrowing in woodpiles. 
• Like other types of rodents, they try to move indoors in the fall to seek warm shelter for the winter.  Normally, you will find them in basements, crawl spaces, or on ground level.
• Norway rats are not known for their climbing skills.
• Rats will leave greasy marks along surfaces they repeatedly rub against. 

Roof Rat characteristics:

• Dark gray to black. Their underbelly can be gray, white, or black. 
• Roof rats are a bit smaller than Norway rats; the bodies of adults range in length from 6 – 8” (not including the tail). From nose to tip of tail, they can be 13 – 18”. Tails are longer than their head and body combined.
• Pointed nose
• Large eyes
• Large ears with little hair
• Roof rats live in colonies and will forage for food in groups. 
• Unlike Norway rats, roof rats are not afraid of heights and are good climbers. They are often found nesting in the upper parts of buildings, especially in attics.
• Rats will leave greasy marks along surfaces they repeatedly rub against.

Are rats dangerous?

Yes, rats are dangerous for many different reasons. The most obvious reason is that they can carry and transmit a variety of diseases, including Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, Salmonellosis, dysentery, Leptospirosis, and in rare cases, the bubonic plague. They can also introduce other parasites, like fleas and ticks, into your home or business.

Rats are also considered dangerous because they can cause major structural damage to your property. They chew on and sometimes even through pipes, insulation, drywall, and wiring. They can destroy personal belongings, inventory, and even your business’s reputation.

Can I prevent a rat infestation?

Preventing a rat infestation can be difficult – even large rats can squeeze through spaces about the size of a quarter. However, we do have some practical tips that can go a long way toward preventing the next infestation from happening.

15 Tips for Preventing a Rat Infestation:

1. Seal cracks or crevices in your foundation, even those that might seem too small. Remember to seal the areas around where utilities enter your building.
2. Caulk any gaps found around exterior doors and windows.
3. Keep garage doors, shed doors, and other outbuildings shut whenever possible.
4. Place woodpiles, compost piles, and other debris piles away from your exterior.
5. Make sure that trash stored outside is kept in receptacles with tight-fitting lids away from the building.
6. Trim back trees and bushes so rats cannot use the branches to gain easy access to your building.
7. Clean up spills immediately and keep food sealed.
8. Eliminate clutter in basements and outdoor buildings.
9. Work with landscapers to select plants and trees that don’t attract rats.
10. Avoid overwatering mulched areas.
11. Ensure that p-traps are filled with water to ensure they are sealed.
12. Use sodium vapor bulbs or LED lights of greater than 550 nm.
13. Reduce humidity with an air dehumidifier.
14. Act quickly –  female rats can produce up to 7 liters per year with up to a dozen pups.
15. Monitor traps you use carefully – rats may not be fooled. If a trap is newly introduced into their environment, they may change their movement patterns, making it more difficult to capture them.

How do I get rid of rats?

The best way to get rid of a rat infestation is with the help of a professional. Our rodent control experts can easily identify what species is causing the damage to your property and quickly implement a custom treatment plan. At Schendel, we offer our Premium Care home pest control program that will help eliminate rats and much more!

The Premium Care program includes: 

• A detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of your home
• Targeted treatment of all areas where activity is present. 
• After the initial treatment, follow-up services will be scheduled that include quarterly interior/exterior or exterior-only service visits. 
• With our PestZero guarantee, you can sleep soundly at night knowing if pests return in between visits, Schendel returns for free!

To get a free estimate on rat control for your home, give us a call today!

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