Description
The two rat species that tend to infest homes and businesses are Norway rats and roof rats. Both species of rats are considered commensal rodents, meaning they live in close association with humans. Norway rats are usually between 7 and 9 inches in length and have coarse and shaggy brown hair. They have flat noses and a 6 to 8 inch long tail. Their droppings have blunt ends are shaped like a grain of rice and measure 3/4 inch in length.
Roof rats measure 6 to 8 inches in length, and have smooth brown fur. They have pointed noses and a 7 to 10 inch long tail. Their droppings are half an inch long with pointed ends. Unlike Norway rats, (the roof rat’s burrowing counterparts) roof rats like to nest in the upper parts of structures.
Importance
Some of the telltale signs that rats are present include: gnaw marks, droppings, tracks, burrows and grease marks.
Rats are very dependent on humans for their survival. They will come into buildings through tiny cracks and crevices in search of shelter, food and water. If these necessities are available to them, rats will take up residence inside properties.
Rats will gnaw on pretty much anything; including your furniture, personal belongings and even the structure in which you live or work. They will eat your food and leave their droppings all over your property. They can transmit diseases through their bite, as well as their droppings and urine. They carry fleas and mites in their fur, which can also be dangerous to the health of you, your family and your employees.
Control Methods
Rats may be difficult to control because of their elusive nature and their ability to move fast, which is why our services include the necessary products and techniques to eliminate your rat infestation. It is also important to correct any environments that may be inviting to rats and other rodents.
There’s no shortage of do-it-yourself rodent control measures available in hardware stores and over the internet, but these methods are hardly ever completely effective and only destroy the rats that come out into the open. Do-it-yourself products may also contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans and pets if applied incorrectly.
Pest problems like Norway rats and roof rats can be difficult to prevent, but keeping your kitchen and food prep areas clean is a start. Food should be stored in airtight containers to help minimize the possibility that rats may infest your property. If rats have already infested your home or business, call Guardian Pest Solutions as soon as you see them to prevent a larger rat infestation.
