I Smell a Rat...

Though we might like to look at a rat and see a cute little creature in a chef’s hat cooking gourmet meals, the reality is ratatouille can only be cooked by those with opposable thumbs.

Well known for their devious ways, rats left unchecked can cause harm not only to your home but to your family as well.

In order to protect your home and family, it is important to take into account a few “Rat Truths.”

Rats Can Swim

Believe it or not, rats could give Michael Phelps a run for his money. Certain types of rats can tread water for up to three days and hold their breath for three minutes. Additionally, some species can swim over a mile. And the stories about rats popping up in toilets is no urban legend. They can easily make their way up your pipes.

A Rat’s Teeth Never Stop Growing

Rats are known for gnawing on things, and with good reason. Their teeth can grow up to 5 inches per year. They have to chew on things to wear them down. In addition to wood, rats can also gnaw through lead, cinder blocks and aluminum sheeting.

There Are Many Different Types of Rats

Most people have heard of Norway rats (brown rats), pack rats and roof rats (black rats). However, what many people don’t know is that there are 56 known species of rats in the world.

Some Rats Get Pretty Big

True there are some big rats out there rummaging through garbage cans, but the types of rats most people are used to seeing are small compared to some of their more massive rodent relatives. The Sumatran bamboo rat, for example, can weigh up to 8.8 pounds and measure 20 inches in total length. That’s the size of a small housecat. While not as heavy at 3 pounds, the Gambian pouched rat can measure as long as 3 feet from nose to tail.

Rats are Prolific Breeders

One of the facts about rats that most people are familiar with is that they can breed quickly. A female rat can reproduce every three weeks or so. And when she gives birth, the litter typically contains six to 10 pups. These pups become sexually mature when they’re three to four months old, meaning they can begin spawning their own broods.

and most importantly…

Rats Can Carry Pathogens That Spread Disease

Yes. One of the most well-known facts about rats is that they can carry pathogens that spread diseases that can affect humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rats and mice can spread over 35 diseases. They’re even responsible for an outbreak of monkey pox in 2003.

If you suspect you may have rats in your home or business, please give us a call right away!

To learn more about this blog posting, please visit: https://www.terminix.com/blog/education/facts-about-rats/