Wildlife

Domestic Animals

Pest Control

Trash Removal

Rats

If you are currently dealing with domestic or wildlife problems here are some quick numbers to get direction and resolutions to your animal or insect problems:

  • Florida - Domestic Animals ( Cats and Dogs ): 305-884-1101
  • Florida - Wildlife Removal, Control (Squirrels, Bats, Rats, etc): 877-427-1524
  • Georgia - Domestic Animals ( Cats and Dogs ): 706-790-6836
  • Georgia - Wildlife Removal, Control (Squirrels, Bats, Rats, etc): 877-427-1608
  • Miami & Ft Lauderdale - Pest Control Services (Termites, Roaches, etc): 786-251-9640
  • Palm Beach & West Palm Beach - Pest Control Services (Termites, Roaches, etc): 877-590-0462

 

There are two common types of rats in the southeastern United States, the roof rat,  Rattus rattus, and the norway rat, Rattus norvegicus. Both species are extremely dangerous to have in or around your home. The prolific nature of these animals makes it imperative that you call an expert wildlife biologist today.

Rat infestations spread quickly and the damages are severe. Myths that rats stay in “poor areas” or “poorly maintained” homes is not true. Rats will take advantage of any home and can go seemingly unnoticed for quite some time the attic or wall voids.

Rats and mice usually enter merely for warmth and shelter, but also for food. Once inside, they make a lot of scurrying and scratching noises, they will chew on wires, defecate and urinate everywhere, and often enter the home and raid the pantry. They are nocturnal, and amazingly fast and agile.

The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus, also called the brown rat or sewer rat) is a destructive pest found in urban and suburban neighborhoods. These rodents eat and contaminate food, damage buildings and other property by their gnawing and burrowing, and may spread diseases that affect people and pets.

Recognizing Rat Infestations

The presence of rats can be detected by droppings or evidence of fresh gnawing. Tracks can be seen in mud and on dusty surfaces. Runways and burrows may be found next to buildings, along fences or railroad tracks, and under low vegetation and debris.

Rat Facts

Norway rats are husky, brownish rodents that weigh about 11 ounces. They are about 13 to 18 inches long including the 6 to 8 1/2 inch tail. Their fur is coarse and mostly brown with scattered black on the upper surfaces. The underside is typically grey to yellowish-white.

Rats will eat nearly any type of food, but they prefer high-quality foods such as meat and fresh grain. Rats require 1/2 to 1 fluid ounce of water daily when feeding on dry food. Rats have keen taste, hearing and sense of smell. They will climb to find food or shelter, and they can gain entrance to a building through any opening larger than 1/2 inch across.

Rats have litters of 6 to 12 young, which are born 21 to 23 days after mating. Young rats reach reproductive maturity in about three months. Breeding is most active in spring and fall. The average female has four to six litters per year. Rats can live for up to 18 months, but most die before they are one year old.

Rat Prevention and Control

Poor sanitation and the presence of garbage help rats to survive in residential areas. Good sanitation will effectively limit the number of rats that can survive in and around the home. This involves good housekeeping, proper storage and handling of food materials and refuse, and elimination of rodent shelter (harborage). Outside dog pens must be properly maintained to reduce potential rat problems. Removing clutter around homes allows inspection for signs of rats. Good sanitary practices will not eliminate rats under all conditions, but will make the environment less suitable for them to thrive.

Rat-Proof Construction. The most successful and permanent form of rat control is to "build them out" by making their access to structures impossible. Ideally, all places where food is stored, processed or used should be rodent-proof. Store bulk foods, bird seed and dry pet food in metal cans with tightfitting lids.

Seal any openings larger than 1/4 inch to exclude both rats and mice. Openings where utility conduits enter buildings should be sealed tightly with metal or concrete. Equip floor drains and sewer pipes with tightfitting grates having openings less than 1/4 inch in diameter. Doors, windows and screens should fit tightly. It may be necessary to cover edges with sheet metal to prevent gnawing.