Rats are one of the filthiest animals that most of us will come into contact with. Although a necessary part of the ecosystem, rats are a commensal species, meaning they live alongside humans. There are dozens of types of rats in the world; however, the Norway rat and the roof rat are the dominant species in Kittitas County. These rats make pest control In Kittitas County a necessity for residents.
Norway rats and roof rats are actually both natives of Asia. They made their way over to the United States via cargo and colonizing ships. Norway rats average 16 inches in length from nose to tip. They are covered in gray-brown fur, save for their scaly tales. Roof rats, on the other hand, are darker and more slender than Norway rats.
Rats that live away from human civilization eat seeds, nuts, eggs, and insects; however, amongst humans, rats will eat almost anything, including feces and other rats. They are most common during the evening when they forage for food. Rats tend to live in large families headed by a dominant male. They make the most of their short lifespan; they are sexually mature by three months old, have a short gestation of three weeks, and can birth 6 to 10 babies in one litter.
The Norway rat prefers to be low to the ground. They are found in burrows underground, basements, crawlspaces, and sewers. As their name suggests, the roof rat enjoys being up higher and is an excellent climber. Roof rats can often be found in trees and attics.
How To Tell If It's Rats On Your Property
There are several signs of rats on your Kittitas County property, such as narrow paths created on your lawn by rats establishing their routes. Another sign is finding rat droppings; they look like dark, tapered pellets and grow duller the older they are. Other signs to watch for include hearing scratching and squeaking, finding greasy rub marks on your walls, and finding gnaw marks in your home.
Why Rats On Your Property Can Be Very Dangerous
Although rats appear relatively harmless, they do pose a health risk to your and your family. Rats are notorious for destroying insulation, chewing through electrical wires, and contaminating food. In addition, there are many diseases that rats carry, such as bubonic plague, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and tularemia.
Helpful Tips To Prevent Future Rat Infestations On Your Property
The best way to get rid of rats is to avoid having them in the first place. Simple tips to keep in mind are:
- Store human food and animal feed in rat-proof containers.
- Keep trashcan lids securely closed.
- Avoid bird feeders and bird baths on your property.
- Avoid excess moisture on your property.
- Seal cracks and holes with metal sheeting.
Prevention will never be more of a hassle than dealing with an active infestation. Maintaining your pest defenses can save you an immeasurable amount of time and money.
The Safe And Effective Way To Remove Rats On Your Property
If an active rat infestation is already affecting your property, then you must work with a professional. Teaming up with an expert pest control company, such as Prosite, is the only way to successfully get rid of rats. At Prosite, we perform a thorough inspection, safely remove any rats we find, treat your home to make sure the rats cannot return, and monitor your home to guarantee success. For peace of mind every day of the year, reach out to Prosite today!