Roof Rats vs Norway Rats
Roof rats (Rattus rattus) sometimes are referred to as black rats or ship rats. They have a thin body with fur that appears in dark brown, gray, and black colors. The body of a roof rat commonly measures six to eight inches and has a tail that is roughly the same length. Roof rats are known for their excellent climbing abilities, allowing them to access possible entry points through the upper floors of a structure. Females can produce multiple litters of offspring throughout their lifetime.
Norway rats have a heavier body that ranges between six and nine inches long and are comparatively less agile than roof rats. They have small black eyes and shaggy fur that appear either brown or grey. Norway rats are burrowers that build ground-level nests that allow them easy access to food and water sources. The females may have four or more litters of offspring each year.
How Dangerous Are Rats?
Rodents represent both a health risk and a cause of property damage. Fleas, ticks, and other noxious parasites often accompany rodents through their travels. As rats travel through the interior of a property, they leave trails of urine and feces that contaminate food and surfaces.
Rats are known carriers of leptospirosis, tularemia, salmonellosis, and several other harmful concerns. As with most rodents, rats chew on things constantly, which might include your furniture, drywall, and other materials. Rats might chew through water or air conditioning lines resulting in water damage or damage electrical wiring that could spark a house fire.
Tips For Preventing Rat Intrusion
Our team has a few suggestions to help you prevent rats on your property:
- Inspect the upper exterior areas near the roofline or chimney for any openings that might allow entry.
- Trim back tree branches and large shrubs away from the property.
- Trash bags containing food particles should be placed in exterior trash cans with lids.
- Promptly remove any fallen fruit, and avoid placing pet food dishes on patios, decks, or garages.
Do I Need To Contact A Licensed Pest Controller?
Many of those who detect a rat infestation will mistakenly try do-it-yourself treatment options from online retailers or local stores that are promoted with sensationalized claims of being a quick, easy, and safe solution. Unfortunately, many of these store-bought products, such as traps, baiting stations, powders, and sprays, deliver very disappointing results that fail to eradicate these unwanted critters.
Meanwhile, rodents will continue to contaminate the premises with urine and feces and create property damage. Property owners who face these challenges are encouraged to consult with a pest extermination professional immediately after recognizing the problem.
Professional Rodent Control Services In South Carolina
The leadership team at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. is pleased to announce that the organization earned the Quality Pro “Mark of Excellence” in pest management accreditation after satisfying many stringent requirements. Companies that attain this designation properly screen all prospective employees by conducting a criminal background check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Accredited companies also are committed to safety, maintaining a minimum of $1 million in general liability coverage, and have completed training regarding pesticide safety.
Contact our office today to schedule an inspection and receive an estimate. Remember to ask your representative about our year-round property protection plans, including quarterly visits from a seasoned technician who completes a detailed property assessment and performs any necessary treatment.
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