Rats
Rats can be detected by their droppings or evidence of fresh gnawing. Tracks can be seen in mud and on dusty surfaces. Burrows and runways may be found next to buildings, along fences, and under low vegetation and debris.
NORWAY RAT
- Appearance: Brown, heavy-bodied, six to eight inches long; small eyes and ears, blunt nose; tail is shorter than head and body; fur is shaggy; droppings are capsule shaped.
- Habits: Nest in underground burrows, from which they enter buildings in search of food; tend to remain in hiding during the day.
- Diet: Omnivorous, but prefer meats; cannot survive long without water.
- Reproduction: Reaches sexual maturity in 2 months; can breed any month of the year; litter may number from 8 to 12; females can have 4 to 7 litters per year; adults live as long as 1 year.
Other Information: Most common rat in the United States; limited agility, but excellent swimmer; carrier of many serious diseases.
ROOF RAT
Appearance: Black or brown, 7 to 10 inches long, long tail and large ears and eyes, pointed nose; body is smaller and sleeker than the Norway rat; fur is smooth.- Habits: Nests inside and under buildings or in piles of rubbish or wood; excellent climber; can often be found in the upper parts of structures.
- Diet: Omnivorous, but prefer grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables.
- Reproduction: Becomes sexually mature at 4 months; 4 to 6 litters per year; 4 to 8 young per litter; live up to 1 year.
Other Information: Very agile; can squeeze through openings only 1/2 inch wide; carry many serious diseases.
Rat infestation can cause serious damage to your home.
There are 4 basic steps in eliminating a rodent population. These are
1) Inspection
2) Sanitation
3) Exclusion
4) Population Reduction.
In order for a rodent control program to be successful on a long term basis, all four basic steps should be implemented.
Effective rodent control requires good customer cooperation. Proper storage of possible rodent food, removal of grass, weeds, etc. and taking care of rubbish, lumber piles or old equipment are just a few examples of good sanitation. Pet foods and wild bird seed are tasty meals for rodents. If rats have easy access to an abundance of dog food (especially at night when feeding time is heaviest), they are less likely to be attracted to rodenticides or baited traps.
At EXPEST EXTERMINATING, we offer a FREE inspection. Our skilled technicians know the signs to look for and the most effective treatment for your individual needs
