HEALTH THREAT
Rat droppings and urine can spread the Hantavirus to humans, transmit salmonella and are most widely known for spreading the bubonic plague.
PROPERTY THREAT
Rats can cause more property damage than mice. Due to their larger build and teeth, they cause structural damage by nesting inside walls, and constantly gnawing on wiring, drywall and fabric.
Although rats are known for living in filth and nesting in condemned, dilapidated buildings, many homeowners make the mistake of thinking their homes are impervious to these enduring pests. However, rats and mice go wherever food and shelter exist. Meaning even the newest, cleanest homes are at risk for an infestation. Rats and Mice put your family at risk by getting into your food supply, then contaminating it with their waste, causing damage to property by digging and gnawing, biting people and family pets, and most dangerously of all, they transport parasites such as fleas, mites and worms, spreading disease.
MOST COMMMON TYPES OF RATS
Norway Rat
The Norway Rat is the most common rat in human homes and is also known as brown rat, common rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat. This rodent is the most widely known species of rat around the world.
Traits of a Norway Rat
- The fur is coarse and usually brown or dark grey, with a lighter underbelly
- The tail is the same length as the body
Roof Rat
The roof rat is named for its ability to climb and flee upwards when approached. This common predator found around the world is also known as The Black Rat, Asian black rat, Ship Rat, House Rat, Alexandrine Rat and the Old English Rat. The roof rat is most notorious for causing the spread of such fatal diseases as the bubonic plague and typhus.
Traits of a Roof Rat
- Ability to climb or tendency to flee upwards
- A longer tail than its body
- Usually black to light brown color with a lighter underbelly