Signs Of A Rat Infestation

Facts About Rats

1. Rats Are Very Good Swimmers

You might not believe this but rats can tread water for more than three days. Some species can even reach a mile or two. I’m sure that some of us have tried flushing a rat down the toilet or down the drain. Believe me, this does not work out. Rats can hold their breath for more than 3 minutes. This is more than enough time to get a hold on solid ground. You will only be sending them back to where they came from. Sooner or later, they will be good as new too, ready to make their way to your pipes.

2. Rats Are Honored In Several Cultures

Did you know that there is a  temple in Northwest India which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Karni Mata. The temple is home to 15,000 rats. These creatures are worshipped and protected because the people in this area believe that when they die, they will be reincarnated as rats.  

3. Tails Keep Them Cool

Unlike human beings, rats do not sweat as much as we think. Just like dogs, rats employ the mechanism of panting to relieve their bodies of extreme heat. For dogs, the thing that regulates their temperature is their coat. For rats, it is their tail that keeps their body temperature in control. 

4. Their Teeth Never Stop Growing

When we think about rats, we often associate them as gnawing creatures. And there is a rational reason why. Did you know that their teeth never stop growing? This gives them the need to stimulate their teeth every minute of every day. Their teeth are stronger than most of you think. To some, rats can only gnaw on wood where they create holes as their passageway. However, experts have found that they can gnaw even through led, cinder blocks, and aluminum. Even if your house is made of cement or marble, rats can still chew their way in. 

5. Rats Can Get Pretty Big

The rats that can be found in garbage bins and canals is enough to make people jump and scream. However, this is not their full potential. There are some rats that can grow massively and can weight up to 8.8 pounds. Some even grow as big as a house cat. I could never imagine if the rats become the predators and the cats become the prey.  

6. Rats Can Reproduce Quickly

This is not new to us humans. We know that rats are very quick in reproduction. It only takes 2 to 3 weeks for gestation. Their offspring can reach their sexual maturity in just 3 to 4 months. Imagine how many females can give birth to 10 rats in one birthing period. Once a rat becomes comfortable inside your home, its first instinct is to breed. In no time, you will be facing a full-blown infestation and it would be difficult to eliminate the threat.  o

7. They’re Social Creatures

This might come as a shock but rats have their own community as well. It is called the shadow of humanity. Whereas people are active during the day, rats are most likely active at night. In the community of rats, each has a role to play. Some look for food and shelter, others protect their community, and the others forage. Did you know that rats are very sensitive and caring for one another? It has been found that in their community, they groom and feed each other. Some experts even report that rats tend to each other especially if one of their comrades is sick or injured. 

Signs Of A Rat Infestation 

But how do we know if there is a need for a pest management intervention? How do you determine that your house is infested by insects? To answer these queries, you need to be observant to your surroundings. You need to be keen in knowing the differences in your own home. Here are some signs of a rat infestation in households:

Rat Droppings

If you observe oval-like particles in your area, it is a good indication that you are dealing with rats. This sign also indicates more than just the infestation. It gives you an idea of the number of rats present inside your house and their activities. If you see plenty of rat droppings, it means that the rat population in your area is many. 

Footprints

Who would have thought that rats can leave footprints as well? According to experts, a rat’s feet is quite distinguishable. So, you should be able to recognize them if you are a keen observer. You can usually see footprints on dusty places of your home such as the attic, basement, and other unused areas.

Teeth Marks

Rats will chew on almost anything. If you see gnaw marks, it is a good indication that your home is infested with mice. Also, when you hear unusual scratching and gnawing at night, you better schedule for a house cleanup and checkup immediately before the infestation gets worse.

Holes

Rats are famous for boring holes in walls. If you see holes on your walls, floors, and ceilings, it is a good sign for a rat infestation. Plus, if you notice grease stains on the edges of the holes, you’ll know you are dealing with rodents.

The Foul Smell Produced By Rats

The smell is common, especially where rats dwell and breed. This is the accumulation of their droppings, urine, vomit, and left-overs. 

Why Do Rats Infest Homes?

Rats are what you call as winter pests. They cannot survive the cold outdoors. This is the reason why they look for homes to infest before the winter comes. Your house is vulnerable to a rat infestation, considering these several factors.

Structural Damage

Cracks and openings attract rats because it gives them an easy passage towards your home. They no longer need to put any effort into boreholes because the house already has it for them. All they need to do is widen the holes and crevices and they are good to go.

Clutter

Just to like cockroaches, rats are very attracted to clutter. Clutters serve as hiding spots and breeding grounds for rats. So, if you want to avoid a pest infestation, always keep your things fixed and organized. Never postpone hygiene and cleanliness because you never know what insects you will be attracting.

Plumbing Issues

Rats are attracted to moist. This is the reason why we can often find them in kitchens and bathrooms. Water leakage is one of their primary attractants. It gives them the moist and water they need to build their nest and reproduce.

Food Out In The Open

Food of any sort is enough to attract a whole litter of rats inside your house. If you give them enough motivation to infest your home, they are more than willing to give in to the temptation. Sometimes, people give out food to pests without even knowing. Unwashed dishes, dirty sinks, and food crumbs in the kitchen and dining table are all good attractants for rats to infest your home.

Call The Professionals

When it comes to quality, knowledge, and skill, the exterminators of Lake Norman Pest Control are the best in the business. They know the twists and turns, the nooks and crannies of every pest infestation there is. They will see to it that all of your pest problems will disappear.  With the help of Lake Norman Pest Control, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and let the competent exterminators do their job. Their experts pride themselves in using high-quality methods of pest extermination. All of their treatments and methods are strictly human-friendly, botanical-friendly, and animal-friendly.

The services of Lake Norman Pest Control covers the interior and exterior portion of your house, eliminating all kinds of pests such as rats, cockroaches, ants, and many more. No more questions asked. Whenever you have problems with pests, there is only one company to call that is, Lake Norman Pest Control - the only company who saves lives and keeps people safe.