RATS
What are rats?
There are many species of rats in the United States, but two rat species are of particular concern as pests - roof rats and Norway rats. Both are considered to be commensal rodents, commensal, meaning that they share space and habitats with humans and depend on us in part for their survival. They are thought to be among a small minority of rat species to benefit from this type of relationship. Norway rats are considered to be slightly larger than roof rats. Identifying marks of a Norway rat are:
Some of the tell-tale signs of the presence of Norway rats include droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, tracks and rub or grease marks.
Roof rats are unlike Norway rats in that they prefer the upper sections of structures to nest in and have:
Tell tale signs roof rats are present are the same as Norway rats.
Are they dangerous?
Rats are known to carry a number of diseases including mycoplasma – a genus of bacteria which can cause pneumonia and other respiratory disorders - as well as parasites and mites, but they primarily cause damage to property and destroy food.
How do you get rid of rats?
Both Norway rats and roof rats may be difficult to control, primarily because they are elusive, rapid moving and wary creatures. For that reason, Home Check created the Rodent treatment program to eliminate your rat problem in the quickest and safest way possible.
Can I do it myself?
Due to the complex nature of rat treatment and the length of time required for the treatment, rats are not normally a pest many people have much success in eradicating. Pesticides and other products available over the counter and online should be used with extreme care. Even though many of these products are not effective in treating rat problems, if children or pets handle or eat the bait or poison the effects can be deadly.
Is the treatment safe?
Home Check uses products that have been checked and registered by the EPA and applies them following a strict set of guidelines, ensuring the product poses no threat to people, pets or plants. Our highly trained service technicians will inform you of any precise safety measures that are required to be taken should the need arise.
How can I prevent this in the future?
Pest problems can be difficult to prevent. Many of our clients choose to continue service with our Common Pest Control service to keep pests out of their home.
How do I schedule service?
You can either call the phone number listed at the top of this web page or click here to fill out our online form. A customer service specialist will get back with you right away.
There are many species of rats in the United States, but two rat species are of particular concern as pests - roof rats and Norway rats. Both are considered to be commensal rodents, commensal, meaning that they share space and habitats with humans and depend on us in part for their survival. They are thought to be among a small minority of rat species to benefit from this type of relationship. Norway rats are considered to be slightly larger than roof rats. Identifying marks of a Norway rat are:
- Body length of 7-9 inches
- Coat of coarse shaggy brown hair
- Blunt noses
- Tail around 6-8 inches long
- Blunt ended capsule shaped droppings approximately 3/4 inch in length.
Some of the tell-tale signs of the presence of Norway rats include droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, tracks and rub or grease marks.
Roof rats are unlike Norway rats in that they prefer the upper sections of structures to nest in and have:
- Body length of 6-8 inches
- Smooth brown fur
- Pointed noses
- Tail around 7-10 inches long
- Droppings 1/2 inch long with pointed ends
Tell tale signs roof rats are present are the same as Norway rats.
Are they dangerous?
Rats are known to carry a number of diseases including mycoplasma – a genus of bacteria which can cause pneumonia and other respiratory disorders - as well as parasites and mites, but they primarily cause damage to property and destroy food.
How do you get rid of rats?
Both Norway rats and roof rats may be difficult to control, primarily because they are elusive, rapid moving and wary creatures. For that reason, Home Check created the Rodent treatment program to eliminate your rat problem in the quickest and safest way possible.
Can I do it myself?
Due to the complex nature of rat treatment and the length of time required for the treatment, rats are not normally a pest many people have much success in eradicating. Pesticides and other products available over the counter and online should be used with extreme care. Even though many of these products are not effective in treating rat problems, if children or pets handle or eat the bait or poison the effects can be deadly.
Is the treatment safe?
Home Check uses products that have been checked and registered by the EPA and applies them following a strict set of guidelines, ensuring the product poses no threat to people, pets or plants. Our highly trained service technicians will inform you of any precise safety measures that are required to be taken should the need arise.
How can I prevent this in the future?
Pest problems can be difficult to prevent. Many of our clients choose to continue service with our Common Pest Control service to keep pests out of their home.
How do I schedule service?
You can either call the phone number listed at the top of this web page or click here to fill out our online form. A customer service specialist will get back with you right away.