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Rats
(Rattus)

Rat.jpeg

Rats harbor and transmit a variety of diseases, viruses, and bacteria through their saliva, feces & urine as well as bring disease-infested fleas and ticks into your home. If you think you may have a rat infestation, avoid handling them and keep all pets and children away from suspected areas.

Appearance
 

Rats are larger than mice and can be found throughout the world. There are several species of rats; most are very similar in appearance.

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  • They have oversized front teeth

  • Their fur is usually black to dark grey

  • Their tail can have hair or not

  • They have a pointy nose

Behavior, Diet & Habits
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Rats are opportunistic eaters. They will eat human food or animal food, like insects and other small animals. Rats are also chewers and cause damage to homes by chewing walls, household items, and electrical wires.

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They tend to colonize in attics, burrows, under concrete and porches, in wall voids and other hard-to-reach places.

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Rats harbor and transmit a variety of diseases, viruses, and bacteria through their saliva, feces & urine. They can also bring disease-infested fleas and ticks into your home. If you think you may have a rat infestation, avoid handling them and keep all pets and children away from suspected areas.

Reproduction
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Rats reproduce very quickly. A single female can produce up to eight litters per year, and have an average of 4-8 pups per litter. About every 45-55 days a new litter of rats leave the nest. Most rats can start reproducing at 40 to 50-days-old.

Signs of an Infestation
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There are several identifiers to look for when determining if you have a rat infestation.
 

  • Droppings: They are rod shaped and looks like pellets

  • Gnaw Marks: Chewed up food boxes or pet food bags, shredded up paper, sacks, or books

  • By Sight: If you see one in your home or yard

Treatments
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Rats are attracted to food, so keep all types of food stored properly in refrigerators/freezers, air tight containers, or sealed packaging. Clean up any food messes as soon as possible and dispose of garbage quickly. Make sure all pipe entrances, cracks, crevices, are sealed and your yard and vegetation is trimmed and tidy.

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If you believe you have a rat or rodent infestation, contact a pest control professional for a consultation.

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