Rattus Rattus, the Roof Rat Also known as black rats, these pests likely originated in Malaysia and Southeast Asia thousands of years ago. It didn't take long for these pests to make their way all over the world aboard ships. For this reason, they're also known as ship rats. Rattus rattus is often cited as the rat that brought the plague to Europe during the Middle Ages.
Of the two species, roof rats are the smaller of the two, with a body length of 12.75 to 18.25 cm. They are black to brown, with a light underbelly. These rats are excellent climbers, and often invade a home or business through rooftop vents and chimneys. In the wild, they'll build nests in rock cliffs and trees. Due to this habit, you'll generally find this species nesting in attics, ceilings, and upper walls. Also, these rats prefer to eat fruit. But, if they can't find fruit they'll eat almost anything.
Rattus Norvegicus, Norwegian Rats Also known as brown rats, these rodents did not originate in Norway, but in China. These rats likely got the moniker due to arriving in England aboard Norwegian ships. These rats are more resistant to cold than roof rats and are the dominant species in frigid northern and eastern cities. Norwegian rats are larger and more aggressive than roof rats, another reason why they reign supreme in urban settings.
Norwegian rats are gray or brown, with a body length of 15 to 28 cm. These burrowing rats love to live in alleys and dumpsters. Norwegian rats love to eat grains and seeds in the wild, but in the city, they will eat anything.
They have many ways to get inside your property, including through the sewer. Once inside, they may prefer to live in the basement. Like black rats, Norwegian rats spread disease and are a danger to people, pets, and property.
Signs That You Have Rats As smart, nocturnal creatures, you may not actually see the rats that are hiding around your property. But, they will leave telltale signs.
Both rats and mice leave similar signs of their presence, including droppings and tearing into food packages. You may notice that something has been gnawing at your furniture or walls. Also, you may hear them rustling in the walls and ceilings, or scurrying about at night. But, rats are much larger than mice. Mouse droppings are tiny, compared to a 10mm long rat dropping. Rats will also leave more obvious urine and odor compared to a mouse.
Your dog or cat will also alert you to a rodent problem; if your pet has fixated their attention on a spot on the wall, there could be a rodent nest inside. If your cat brings you a dead rat as a present, likely, there are more somewhere around your property.
Finally, you might find a rat's nest either inside or outside when you're moving something. For example, you could move the refrigerator and find that a rat has built a nest underneath it.
Getting Rid of Rats Ridding your property of these destructive and disease-carrying pests is a two-step process. You'll need to both take rat exclusion measures, as well as kill the rats
Rat Exclusion An exclusion means keeping the rats from coming around your property in the first place. This involves denying them food and blocking off entry points to the inside and outside of your property.
First of all, keep your outside trash cans and dumpsters tightly closed. This will discourage rats from foraging for food through your trash. Also, outside bird feeders can attract rats. Unfortunately, if rats are eating from your bird feeder, the bird feeder will need to go. Fruit and nut trees can also present a food source; pick up any fruit or nuts that have dropped to the ground.
Also, secure any food inside your home that comes in a bag or a box. Plastic bins might work, but a rat can chew through plastic, so metal and glass containers are better. Also, don't leave pet food out overnight, and don't leave dirty dishes in the sink.
You'll also need to block off any potential entry points, such as damaged vents, vent pipes, broken screens, and basement windows. You'll need to go around both the ground level of your property as well as the roof. Of course, vents are meant to allow airflow, so block those off with a sturdy wire screen. If you're unsure what to do, your pest control professional can help you with rat exclusion.
Rat exterminator cost ? Rat extermination costs approximately $350 to $450 with the customer
spending an average amount of $400 for the removal service that includes consultation and a full detailed property inspection.
Lowest prices for top quality pest extermination of rats
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