Rattus

Rats are medium sized rodents with thin tails. They are widespread around the world. They thrive in most environments where food and shelter are available. The most common rats in North America are the Norway rat and the Roof rat. Both of these rats cause a significant amount of damage to homes, farms, and businesses. Rats can transmit disease to humans. Some of the most common diseases spread by rats include Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, Black Plague, and Salmonelloisis.

Identification – What do rats look like?

Norway rats, also called Brown rats, have a thick body with grey or brown fur, small eyes and ears, blunt noses, and a hairless tail shorter than the body. They are 7 to 10 inches long with a 6 to 8 inch tail. They weight 7 to 18 oz. Their average lifespan in the wild is 5-12 months.

Roof rats, also called Black rats, have a slender body with black or brown fur, larger eyes and ears, pointed noses, and a hairless tail longer than the body. They are 6 to 8 inches long with 7 to 10 inch tails. They weigh 5 to 10 oz. Their average lifespan in the wild is 5 to 18 months.

Habitat and Habit of rats

Norway rats can be found nesting in and around homes, barns, office buildings, warehouses, sewers, garbage dumps and other areas where food is available. They construct nests at or below ground level.

Roof rats are generally found further from the ground in trees, attics, higher up in warehouses, wall cavities and roofs. They also are mostly found in warmer climates.

Diet – What do rats eat?

Rats are opportunistic omnivores. They will eat almost anything. In most cases, this includes grains, fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts. Although rats prefer to eat what they find, they will hunt on occasion, catching bugs and other small animals.

Rat Control – How to get rid if rats?

The best way to rodent-proof your home or business is through identifying and sealing entry points such as gaps around windows and door. In addition, seal garbage containers, close windows and doors particularly overnight, trim trees away from house, keep pet food picked up, and reduce water sources.

Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest technicians are trained to manage rats. We will develop and implement a plan to keep rats away from your home or business.