Rats
Rats chew wiring, contaminate food, and spread disease through droppings and urine.
Background & Behavior
(Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus) Rats are large, intelligent rodents known for gnawing and spreading disease. They contaminate food, damage insulation and wiring, and can chew through walls. Nocturnal and wary, they often nest in basements, attics, and sewers. Professional control is often needed due to their rapid breeding and cautious nature.
DIY Approaches
- Eliminate outdoor clutter like wood piles and dense vegetation near walls.
- Secure trash lids with bungee cords and clean bins often.
- Use snap traps in tamper-resistant boxes along travel routes.
- Seal openings larger than a half-inch with metal flashing.
- Remove pet food dishes overnight to discourage foraging.
Professional Services
- Contract rodent control experts for multi-visit exclusion and trapping.
- Install professional bait stations maintained under service agreements.
- Request burrow treatments around foundations and retaining walls.
- Coordinate structural repairs after rodents chew through building materials.
- Engage environmental health teams for sanitation and hazard cleanup.
Photo Gallery
