Rochester Exterminating - Tough on Pests. Easy on You.^©

Rats

How to identify
Norway rats, the most common species of rat, are the only one normally found in New York State. Their bodies measure approximately 7 to 9 inches and their tails are an additional 6 to 8 inches long. Most rats weigh one half pound to one pound. They have coarse grey to brown fur, small eyes, small ears and a blunt muzzle.

The problem with Rats
Rats gnaw and damage materials, contaminate stored food, carry disease and threaten human safety. The average rat can create over 100 droppings and 2 teaspoons of urine each day.

Signs of activity
Signs of rats are:

Newly gnawed wood tends to be rough and a pair of tooth marks can be readily seen.
Droppings are oblong, about ¾" in length, dark, blunt and pliable when fresh.
Fresh rat tracks are readily visible in dust - shine a flashlight across the surface to highlight tracks.
Rub marks along commonly used runways appear dark and greasy.
Burrows, usually 2" to 3" in diameter, are found in earthen banks, under concrete slabs, walls, sidewalks and driveways.
Seek professional assistance and consider an ongoing, preventive program.

Rats are social animals and prefer to live in community groups. They are primarily nocturnal and, being creatures of habit, are very cautious if any changes occur within their established environment. They prefer to nest in burrows dug in the ground, but will live in other secluded areas such as insulated walls, basements, stored products, piles of debris and even in attics on rare occasions. Rats will travel up to 150 feet for food and can squeeze through a 1/2" gap.

How to limit the conditions that attract or support Rats

Eliminate high weeds, litter, trash, stored equipment and other harborage areas outside.
Store garbage in tightly sealed metal cans and keep areas around compactors clean.
Seal all outside gaps ½" and greater to prevent entry into structures.
Install rat walls along foundations to concrete slabs.
Seek professional assistance and consider an ongoing, preventive program.

Rochester Exterminating is tough on Rats
Due to rats' cautious nature, considerable expertise and multiple services are necessary for effective control. Rats are most effectively treated with a combination of trapping and rodenticide baiting methods. Liquid baits often work well. It is critical that both outside and inside sanitation deficiencies are corrected, and that the structural integrity of all buildings is sound.

Preventive Maintenance services are usually helpful in preventing recurring rat problems in areas where they are likely to be re-introduced onto your property or into your building. Rodent proofing services are available through our pest exclusion program.

While over-the-counter baits and traps can kill or catch rats, considerable expertise is required to outwit older and more dominant rats within the population. Older rats tend to be very wary of any changes in their environment making them less likely to respond to control efforts.

More information
One female rat can wean up to 20 rats per year. The average life span of rats in the field is 6 to 12 months. Rats require 3/4 to 1 ounce of food each day and ½ to 1 ounce of water. The average rat can create over 100 droppings and 2 teaspoons of urine each day.