Rats are highly adaptable, intelligent, and found all around the world. Known for their resourcefulness, these rodents can thrive just about anywhere, which makes them a prime pest in urban areas. If you’re curious about this type of rodent, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked about rats.

Where do rats nest?

Different species of rats prefer different nesting locations. Roof rats typically prefer to nest in higher locations above ground, such as ceilings and attics, while Norway rats prefer to nest in lower locations that can include ground burrows and wall voids. If you spot a rodent hole, make sure to follow the key steps to seal it correctly.

What diseases do rats carry that could affect humans?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rodents can directly transmit the following diseases to humans:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-menengitis (LCM)
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Rat-bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Tularemia

How do I properly remove rat droppings?

This video features our step-by-step process, plus the materials you need to safely remove and clean rat droppings from your home or commercial building.

Can I get sick from cleaning up rat droppings?

Yes. It is very important to clean up any rat droppings properly. Disturbing dried rat feces can cause pathogens to aerosolize and enter the body via airways.

What are the dangers of a rat?

Amongst the many health concerns listed above, you should also be aware of potential health risks related to ticks, mites or fleas that may be carried by rodents. Rats can also cause significant physical destruction to both property and food. Rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels have been known to chew on electric wires, which can lead to fires.

What happens if I get bitten by a rat?

Rats have large teeth and, when threatened, they can bite. If you are bitten by a rat, you should immediately clean and disinfect the bite site, then consult with a medical professional right away. Rat saliva can carry pathogens that may cause diseases such as leptospirosis.

How long does it take to get rid of a rat problem?

The length of time to get rid of a rat problem depends greatly on the type of rat, level of rat infestation or treatment methods and whether you’re doing it yourself or through a professional rat pest control service. Typically, effective rat pest control can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Professional rat pest control usually involves a combination of traps, bait and exclusion techniques to ensure all rodents are removed and prevented from returning.

How quickly do rats breed?

Rats are known to breed quickly. A single pair of rats can reproduce exponentially, giving birth to litters of up to 12 new offspring every month. This means that under optimal conditions, a pair of rats can be responsible for producing thousands of offspring in a single year. To effectively control a rat infestation and exclusion professional pest control services are essential.

Will rats attack humans?

Rats generally avoid human interaction and prefer to stay hidden. However, if they feel threatened, they will attack. While rat attacks on humans are rare, they can happen, especially if the rodents are diseased or in a desperate state. Ensuring proper rodent control can minimize such risks.

What do rats eat?

Rats are omnivores and have a very diverse diet  hence they will feed on anything. They commonly consume grains, fruits, vegetables, insects, meats and even garbage. In urban environments, they are known to scavenge from dumpsters, trash bins and feed on pet food.

Are rats nocturnal?

Yes, rats are primarily nocturnal. They are most active at dusk and during the night when they search for food and water. This nocturnal behaviour makes it difficult to spot them during the day. Here’s how to identify rat activity.

Can rats climb walls?

Rats are excellent climbers. They can scale vertical walls, travel along power lines and even climb inside pipes. This ability to climb and enter homes or businesses makes it essential to implement rat pest control strategies to effectively keep rodents out.

For professional rat control in your home or business, contact Orkin Canada today.