Rats
How can I tell what type of rat I'm seeing?
Rats are medium-sized rodents, and are distinguished from mice most often by size. There are a couple of rats you'll typically run into in Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, or the surrounding areas.
Roof Rat - is medium sized (13-18 inches) with a black/brown/gray back. These are distinguishable by their long tail which is longer than its body. They are typically sleeker than a Norway rat and will have bigger ears.
Norway Rat - Also called "brown rats". Its tail is usually a bit shorter than its body. Typical size is about 16 inches in total. Norway rats have small eyes and ears. and dense short fur on a heavy body.
How can I tell I have a rodent infestation?
With rat infestation, you will see one or more of the following:
- Tiny pieces of torn up food or bits of chewed paper
- Little bite marks on doorways or food canisters
- Grease marks left by rats traveling along walls or under door ways
- Rat droppings and hair along the path they are traveling
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"Friendly and Professional"
- Yvette V.
How Can I Get Rid of Rats?
Rodents are opportunistic survivalists. They love to live near humans as chances to eat are plentiful. This not only makes them a nuisance, but a danger to property as well. Rats in Roseville and Sacramento have been known to chew through siding and wiring in the home or vehicles.
Rodents love to get into extra food storage and can become difficult to remove from the home given their ability to reproduce quickly. Roof rats have a ~20 day gestation period, and can have between 6 and 20 babies in a litter. Make your home unattractive to rats, disperse wood piles, store food in air tight, tamper-proof containers, and remember roof rats can fit through spaces just 3/4 of an inch wide.