Rats Identification

What are rats?

Rats are social and tend to live together in groups or “colonies”. Including their tail, rats grow to between 15 and 17 inches long. The fur covering their body is grey, brown, or black, with a lighter-colored belly. They have large heads and feet proportional to their body. A rat’s tail is long, scaly, and void of hair. Rats are medium-sized rodents, and like all rodents, have continuously growing front incisors. Their teeth are large, sharp, and capable of causing damage to any object they gnaw on.

Are rats dangerous?

Rats are dangerous for several reasons, including the structural damage they cause inside the buildings they invade. Other concerns associated with rats are listed below.

• Their chewing habits pose fire risks.
• Rats spread disease, viruses, and human pathogens, and contaminate food, food prep areas, and surfaces with their urine, excrement, and saliva.
• Their shed fur and excrement trigger allergies.
• Rats are wild animals, and if cornered will defend themselves by biting or scratching.
• Rats have poor eyesight. In order to find their way back and forth from their nest to food sources, they travel along walls and furniture, leaving behind grease and dirt marks.

Why do I have a rat problem?

Rats are common invaders in homes and businesses. They take advantage of the food, water, and shelter that both residential and commercial properties provide them. Rats only require a space the diameter of a quarter and are difficult to keep out of structures. Food is what generally first attracts rats to a property. Open trash containers or dumpsters, pet food, food debris in outdoor eating areas, gardens, and bird feeders all act as foraging sites for rats. Once on our properties, they more than likely will decide to use our homes, garages, and sheds as a nesting site.

Where will I find rats?

Most rats are burrowers and tend to create nests in the ground in piles of garbage, under slabs and foundations, and overgrown vegetation. Yards, parks, docks, and riverbanks are all places rats call home. Some species nest up off of the ground, usually choosing trees or spaces along a building’s roofline. Inside homes and other buildings, rats nest in basements, attics, and crawlspaces.

How do I get rid of rats?

There are many species of rats living throughout Modesto and the Central Valley of California. The best way to get rid of rats in your yard or home and prevent them from returning is to partner with Peace of Mind Pest Control. Our experienced professionals and modern services provide home and business owners with peace of mind knowing that their pest problems will be solved once and for all. If you are looking to get rid of rodents from your property with the help of dedicated, local professionals, reach out to Peace of Mind Pest Control today!