Rats are one of the most common types of rodents that people find around their property and in their homes. They can gnaw their way into your home and destroy anything in their path. These destructive creatures can cause a lot of property damage and be hazardous to your health.
If you are seeing signs of rats around your property, Miche Pest Control can help keep you safe. Our pest control technicians know how to track, locate, and eliminate rodents commonly found in this area.
The Size Of Rats
The Norway rat is one of the most common rats that are found in the United States. This rat is also commonly referred to as the "street rat" and "sewer rat." The Norway rat has a long, stout body that typically measures 7 to 9 1/2 inches long. Its tail is shorter than its body and usually measures 5 to 6 inches long. This type of rat is big for a residential rodent and typically weighs a little over a pound.
The other type of rat you are most likely to see around your property is the roof rat. This rat usually has dark brown or black fur and a thin body. Its body is shorter than the Norway rat's and usually measures 6 to 8 inches long. It also has a long, scaly tail that is also 6 to 8 inches long, making the entire rat measure around 16 inches from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. The small body makes it lighter than the Norway rat as well. On average, the roof rat weighs between two and eight ounces.
Rats Around Your Property Is A Serious Health Hazard
Rats are extremely dangerous to have around. These filthy rodents can carry and spread a wide range of dangerous diseases and viruses, which include salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, jaundice, and tularemia. The most common way they spread these harmful illnesses is by leaving their urine and droppings around your home. You could contract one of these harmful diseases if you accidentally touch the rat's bodily waste.
These destructive rodents are also capable of causing a lot of property damage in your home, some of which could also put you in danger. Rats like to use the space behind your walls to nest and travel freely throughout your home. Many times they will chew on the electrical wiring and the installation while they are inside your walls. If they chew through the protective coating on the wire, it can potentially cause a fire.
Four Simple Rodent Exclusion Tips To Prevent Rats
Rats are athletic and agile rodents. The roof rat, in particular, is able to use its long tail to balance on wires and other aerial surfaces, like a roof of a house. If they think that there is something inside of your home that they want, these relentless rodents will do everything in their power to come inside. Some of the things that you can do to prevent rats from coming into your home include:
- Empty out your trash cans regularly
- Seal any potential opening around your home
- Remove clutter from your house
- Keep all of your food in sealable containers
Once rats come into your home, it can be challenging to get them to leave. It is much easier to prevent a rat problem than it is to treat one with professional rodent control.
The Pros To Know For Total Rat Control For Your Property
If rats have managed to invade your home, don't worry, Miche Pest Control is here to help. We have been dealing with these pesky rats for years and know the most effective way to quickly and safely eradicate them from your property. Give us a call today to see how we can help make your home a rat-free space.