Rat Pest Control in Atlanta Facts
Did you know that:
Rats will leave 500,000 or more body hairs each year, over 12,000 droppings, and one female rat can produce over 200 offspring in its short lifespan.
Each year, rodents cause more than one billion dollars in damage in the United States alone, thus the reason for rat pest control in Atlanta.
A rat can drop down 50 feet without injury. What's more fascinating is that rats have a 36 inch vertical jump and a 48 inch horizontal jump height, making it is easy for them to access your home.
Rats can also scale rough vertical surfaces and walk along thin ropes and wires. Roof rats are agile climbers and can shimmy the outside of three inch diameter pipes or any size pipe within three inches of a wall. Rats are capable of climbing the inside of vertical pipes that are 1 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter
Unlike the teeth of other mammals, the front incisors of rodents never stop growing. In fact, continuously growing front teeth is a trait shared by all rodents from the tiniest mouse to the largest beaver. By observing captive mice and rats who have nothing to gnaw upon, it's been found that these incisors can grow up to five inches per year. Rats constantly gnaw anything softer than their teeth, including lead sheeting, improperly cured concrete, sun dried adobe brick, cinder block, wood and aluminum sheeting.
In terms of hardness, a rat's teeth are stronger than aluminum, copper, lead, and iron. They are comparable to steel.
Roof Rats
Roof rats, also known as black rats, are a type of rodent that can cause damage to homes and transmit diseases. They are agile climbers and often enter buildings through openings in the roof or attic. Here are some key points you might find on a website about roof rats:
1. **Identification**: Roof rats are typically smaller than Norway rats, with a slender body, large ears, and a pointed snout. They are usually black or dark brown in color.
2. **Habitat**: They prefer to nest in high places like trees, attics, and roofs. They are excellent climbers and can gain access to buildings through tree branches or power lines.
3. **Diet**: Roof rats are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, seeds, and insects. They are also attracted to pet food and garbage.
4. **Damage**: These rodents can cause damage to structures by chewing on wires, insulation, and wood. They can also contaminate food supplies with their droppings and urine.
5. **Disease Transmission**: Roof rats can transmit diseases to humans and pets through their droppings and urine. Diseases associated with roof rats include leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis.
6. **Control and Prevention**: Effective control methods include sealing entry points, removing food sources, and setting traps. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent infestations.
Remember, if you suspect a roof rat infestation, it's essential to contact a professional pest control service for proper identification and treatment.
Norway Rats
Norway Rat Biology
Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, are one of the most common rat species worldwide. Here’s some information about their biology:
1. Appearance: Norway rats are larger than roof rats, with a robust body, blunt nose, and small ears relative to their body size. They typically have brown or grayish-brown fur.
2. Habitat: Norway rats are burrowing rodents that prefer to live in underground tunnels. They can also be found in basements, sewers, and other dark, damp areas close to a food source.
3. Diet: These rats are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They will eat a wide range of foods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, and even garbage.
4. Reproduction: Norway rats reproduce rapidly, with females capable of producing up to 12 litters per year. A single litter can consist of 7-14 pups, and they reach sexual maturity at 2-3 months old.
5. Behavior: Norway rats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. They are excellent swimmers and climbers, allowing them to access various environments.
6. Health Concerns: Like other rodents, Norway rats can transmit diseases to humans and pets through their droppings, urine, and bites. Diseases associated with Norway rats include leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonellosis.
7. Control and Prevention: Effective control methods for Norway rats include rodent-proofing buildings, removing food and water sources, and using traps or baits. Regular sanitation and maintenance can help deter rat infestations.
Understanding the biology and habits of Norway rats can help in implementing effective control and prevention measures to manage infestations and reduce health risks. If you suspect a rat infestation, it’s recommended to contact a professional pest control service for assistance.
