The Trick To Keeping Dangerous Rats Away From Your Greensboro, NC Property

Norway Rat

Also known as the brown, street, or sewer rat, the Norway rat is the larger of the two most common species, measuring 7-9 ½ inches long. The Norway rat is typically brown with scattered black hairs and a white or gray underside. They have small ears and eyes and a hairless tail.

Roof Rat

The roof rat gets its name from its tendency of sheltering in attics or rafters. They are also known as black rats or ship rats. Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats but have a proportionally longer tail and more prominent eyes and ears. They are typically brown with some black interspersed and may have a gray, white, or black underside.

Rat Behavior

Both Norway and roof rats are social creatures, usually living in groups. They also both like to nest in piles of debris and gnaw through materials in search of food and water. Both are adept at climbing and swimming and are nocturnal. While the Norway rat prefers dwelling in basements and crawlspaces, the roof rat is typically found in attics and rafters. Both species of rats damage property and spread disease.

The Risks Of Rats

Rats are not only gross and creepy to find in your home. They are downright dangerous. Rats are vectors of numerous diseases, including rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, tularemia, typhus, and trichinosis. They can also introduce parasites such as fleas into your home and their droppings can trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, rats contaminate food and cooking surfaces in the kitchen and pantry. A rat infestation is a serious health risk to you and your family.

Norway and roof rats also damage property, chewing through your walls, pipes, and wires in search of food and water. They can gnaw through just about any material, wreaking havoc on your home and belongings in the process. Rats can even start a fire by chewing through electrical wires. Don’t underestimate the dangers of these mischievous rodents.

Tricks For Preventing Rats

Rats are the last thing you want on your property. Once the rats move in, it’s an uphill battle to get rid of them without professional assistance. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep them away from your home in the first place.

Check out these rat prevention tips for Greensboro property owners:

• Seal holes and cracks on the exterior of your home with steel wool or caulk, as rats can squeeze through openings the size of a quarter.
• Keep firewood away from your home and off the ground.
• Remove piles of debris outside your home.
• Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
• Use trash cans with tight lids and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Address any moisture issues in your home, including clogged drains or leaking pipes.
• Keep attics and basements clutter-free, clean, and organized.
• Be aware of any signs of infestation - gnaw marks, greasy stains on walls from the rats’ fur, strange noises in the walls, etc.

Preventative measures can go a long way towards mitigating a rat infestation, but if an infestation does occur, be sure to contact a local pest control service for advice and assistance.