Facts About Rats You May Not Know
Of all pests, rats cause one of the strongest reactions in people. Here are 7 facts about rats that reveal why they cause so much trouble and stress in our lives.
Why is it Hard to Get Rid of Rats?
1. Rats are Usually Nocturnal
One of the reasons a rat infestation is so hard to identify is they are mostly active at night.
Add this to the fact that rats are shy and avoid conflict.
When you see more than one rat, day or night, it's safe to assume you have a rat infestation.
2. They Live in Packs
Rat packs normally begin with a mated pair led by a dominant male. In some species, dominant females or a group of males work together to control the group. New packs form when a breeding pair moves to a nearby location and produces offspring.
3. Rats and Mice are Omnivores
While they often prefer meat, they will eat grains, sweets, and vegetation. A ready supply of trash means rats love large cities like rats in Seattle. Lacking easy food sources, they are eager to enter homes and scavenge.
4. Prolific Breeders
One of the most disturbing facts about rats is they become fertile after three months of age. With a gestation period of less than a month and litters of up to 22 babies, the brown rat can produce over 2,000 new rodents a year. While other species of rat produce lower numbers, they are still significant.
5. Facts About Rats Teeth
Rat teeth grow continuously at a rate of 4 to 5 inches a year. Rats chew to keep their teeth from growing out of control. They can bite through metal, concrete, and wood. Combined, their need to gnaw, and their devastating teeth, make them a danger to walls, pipes, wires, and people.
6. Roof Rats and Norway Rats Have Caused Environmental Havoc
Different species of rats have caused the extinction of birds, mammals, and reptiles on islands. On others, they have devastated species of trees and kept them from re-growing.
While not native to most areas, rats adapt easily to new environments. Through the need for space and varied diet, they drive out the competition, sowing chaos on the local eco-system.
Add to this that rats carry disease along with parasites that spread disease. While recent information reveals that fleas spread the plague, rats carried the fleas. Other diseases spread by rodents can be hazardous, especially to pregnant women.
7. Versatile at Entering Buildings
In addition to their ability to chew through almost anything, rats are amazing climbers and jumpers. Able to squeeze through an opening no bigger than a quarter, they will enlarge it with their teeth if necessary. Once inside, they keep to quiet, low-activity areas and breed.
Nothing Short of Amazing!
I called Joe Ramirez for mice and rat extermination and within hours he was at my door. Not only to answer all my questions, but to begin service. He was nothing short of amazing and helped me with not only the needs I called him for but a full service. He was polite and knowledgeable. He didn’t judge the condition of my home or that I didn’t upkeep my exterior. He explained everything he was doing throughout his time at my house. I have used Terminex in the past and his service was way beyond what I have ever experienced. Very very pleased!
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Croach® Rat Control Services
While rats and mice serve a purpose in nature, they are detrimental to your home and your health. Croach® is dedicated to getting rid of rats and removing their temptation to return.
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