Rats are scavengers and are attracted to areas where there is a ready food supply. They will enter homes through any opening they can find that is larger than 1/2 inch in diameter. Once inside rats will gnaw on almost anything in search of food. They will also chew through electrical wiring causing fires. In addition to the damage rats can cause to your home they also pose a serious health risk. Rats can carry a number of diseases including the plague typhus and hantavirus.
There are a number of things you can do to prevent rats from entering your home:
-Seal all openings larger than 1/2 inch in diameter.
-Keep your home clean and free of food debris.
-Store food in airtight containers.
-Remove any potential nesting sites from your property such as piles of debris.
-Use traps or bait stations to control rats that are already inside your home.
How do rats enter homes?
Answer: Rats can enter homes through holes or cracks in walls floors and ceilings.
They can also come in through vents chimneys and sewer lines.
Why do rats come into homes?
Answer: Rats come into homes in search of food water and shelter.
What do rats eat?
Answer: Rats are omnivorous and will eat almost anything.
However they prefer cereals meat and fish.
How much do rats weigh?
Answer: The average weight of a rat is between 10 and 12 ounces.
How long do rats live?
Answer: In the wild rats typically live 2-3 years.
However rats in captivity can live up to 8 years.
How many babies do rats have at a time?
Answer: A rat can have litters of up to 12 babies.
How often do rats breed?
Answer: Rats can breed year-round and typically have 3-5 litters per year.
What is the biggest threat to rats?
Answer: The biggest threat to rats is humans.
We kill them for their fur use them in medical research and try to exterminate them because they are considered pests.
What diseases do rats carry?
Answer: Rats can carry a variety of diseases including: bubonic plague typhus rat-bite fever and salmonellosis.
How do rats spread disease?
Answer: Rats spread disease through their urine and feces.
They can also spread disease by biting humans or by contaminating food and water supplies.
Are rats affectionate?
Answer: Some rats can be affectionate but they are not typically considered cuddly pets.
Do rats like to be handled?
Answer: Some rats do not mind being handled but others do.
It is best to let a rat get used to you before trying to pick it up.
What is the best way to get rid of rats?
Answer: The best way to get rid of rats is to seal up any holes or cracks in your home and to eliminate their food and water sources.
You can also trap and relocate them or use poison baits.
Do rats have good memories?
Answer: Yes rats have very good memories.
They can remember paths and locations and they can also learn to do tricks.
Why are rats considered pests?
Answer: Rats are considered pests because they can damage property contaminate food and water supplies and spread disease.
