About Rats (Rattus spp.)

Activity: Nocturnal Scavengers

Rats are most active at night, venturing out to search for food, water, and shelter. Their nocturnal habits make them harder to detect until an infestation is well-established. Rats are extremely adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. They have an uncanny ability to find food and shelter, often in hidden areas within walls, basements, attics, or even sewer systems. If left unchecked, a small problem can quickly turn into a serious infestation.

Diet: What Rats Eat & Why It Matters

Rats are omnivores, meaning they will eat nearly anything, from food scraps and grains to insects and even other small animals. They are particularly drawn to high-energy food sources, including pet food, cereals, and fruits. Rats are prolific breeders, and their scavenging habits contribute to the spread of diseases, bacteria, and other pathogens. They can contaminate food supplies and create serious health risks for your family, pets, and employees. Rodent droppings and urine are commonly found near food storage areas, presenting significant contamination hazards.

Size: A Distinctive Feature of Rats

Rats are larger than mice, typically measuring 20 cm to 40 cm in length (including their tails) and weighing up to 450 grams. Their large size allows them to cause significant damage to your property as they gnaw through a variety of materials, including wood, insulation, electrical wiring, and pipes. Their teeth grow continuously, which is why rats are constantly gnawing to keep them worn down. While they may seem intimidating due to their size, their agility and quick movements make them hard to catch and eliminate without professional help.

Nesting Habits: Where Rats Live

Rats prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas, typically near food sources, such as behind walls, inside ceilings, basements, attics, under floorboards, or in garages. They are also attracted to cluttered spaces and damaged structures where they can burrow and hide their nests. In outdoor environments, rats will burrow into the ground or take refuge in nearby trash piles, compost bins, or abandoned buildings. Their nesting habits can cause significant structural damage, as they often chew through wood, wiring, and even pipes, leading to costly repairs if not addressed quickly.

Why Professional Treatment Is Crucial

Rats are not only difficult to eliminate but also pose a serious health and safety risk. Their ability to live in hidden, hard-to-reach areas means DIY methods often fail to address the full extent of the infestation. Rodent traps and poison may not be effective and could harm pets or children if not handled properly. Professional pest control services use specialized techniques, including exclusion methods, rodent-proofing, and targeted treatments, to ensure complete removal and long-term prevention.

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Early Detection = Damage & Health Risk Prevention

Rats can cause significant damage and pose serious health risks if left unchecked. Look out for these warning signs:

• Gnaw Marks: Rats chew on a variety of materials, including wires, wood, insulation, and plastic.

• Rat Droppings: Large, dark droppings found near food sources, nests, or pathways.

• Urine Stains: Yellowish stains or odors near areas where rats are active.

• Foul Odor: A musky smell, particularly in areas where rats have nested.

• Noise at Night: Scratching, scurrying, or gnawing noises coming from walls, ceilings, or attics.

• Visible Nests: Rat nests made from shredded paper, insulation, or other materials found in hidden areas.

• Rat Tracks: Dark, greasy marks left by rats as they travel along walls or floors.

• Damaged Food Packaging: Rats often tear into food containers and packages to scavenge food.

Understanding the Problem: Rat Infestations

Rats can multiply quickly, with a single pair of rats potentially producing up to 2,000 offspring in a year. Their ability to chew through wires and insulation makes them a serious fire hazard, while their droppings and urine spread diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. Additionally, rats can damage your home’s structure and electrical systems, leading to expensive repairs if not managed early.

Over-the-counter solutions and traps are often ineffective, and they may worsen the situation by scattering the rats and making them even harder to catch. Only professional pest control specialists have the expertise and equipment to fully address a rat infestation.

Our Professional Approach to Rat Control

We provide comprehensive rat control services designed to ensure complete elimination and long-term protection:

 Thorough Inspection

• Identify entry points where rats are gaining access.

• Locate active nesting sites, pathways, and food sources.

• Evaluate structural weaknesses in your home or business.

 Targeted Treatment Plan

• Trap placement and rodent-proofing to eliminate existing rats and prevent future access.

• Use of safe, humane methods to eliminate rats without causing harm to pets or family members.

• Exclusion techniques to seal off entry points, preventing further infestations.

 Long-Term Prevention

• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up services to ensure the infestation does not return.

• Provide advice on sanitation and rodent-proofing your home or business.

• Implement strategic rodent baiting and trapping programs to maintain a rat-free environment.

With our expert services, we’ll address the root cause of the infestation and provide lasting protection against rats, safeguarding your home, business, and health.