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Rats

Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus

Roof Rat Rattus rattus

 

Behavior:
Rats make their habitat everywhere outside and could invade your home at any time, but fortunately, this does not happen often. Home invasions usually happen in the fall, not because of the cooler weather, but because the seeds and plants on which rodents feed outside are gone. Rats are then in need of a new food source. Your home may be where they look for that new food source. Rats can climb straight up almost any surface and can gain entry through holes in soffit vents and around cables entering your house, through openings in roof adjoinments, and through roof vents. Many types of vent screens are soft enough for rats to chew through.

Disease:
Mice can carry and transmit more than 35 serious diseases.  They can also bring disease-carrying parasites such as ticks, fleas, and lice into your home.

Tips for Prevention

• Do not let pet food sit out overnight, indoors or outdoors.

• Remove any piles of debris, wood, and junk from around your home.

• Keep food waste secure in bins. This includes your compost.

• Keep doors closed day & night. An open garage door can be an open invitation.

• Remove bird feeders (No one likes this one but your also feeding the rats and mice)

• Keep trees, shrubs, and plants trimmed and away from your home. Rats & Mice are excellent climbers