Rats may be appealing in a movie about teenage turtles living together in a sewer, but they aren’t in your home.

However, rats are considered pets to some. But, when they’re in your home unwelcomed they can be a sign of trouble. When this is the case, rat facts can come in handy.

Rat facts aren’t just interesting tidbits of information to repeat on trivia night. They could also help you to keep them at bay. These facts will also help you to know how to approach them, deal with them, and banish them for good.

Rats aren’t only unsightly and scary, they can also carry diseases. This is especially a concern if small children are living in your home. Your pets can also be affected by rats.

Your home itself could also be in danger when rats are present. This could result in extensive damage due to chewing. And, you shouldn’t be fooled by their small appearance.

Rats can chew through bricks, wood, and even lead pipes. This makes rats a pest problem that needs to be dealt with swiftly.

Read on for more facts to understand this common pest and how to banish them.

Rat Facts: Preparing for Rodent Season

Rats are considered a rodent. They are in the same family as mice, squirrels, and porcupines. Rodents are mammals distinguished by their large, sharp front teeth and gnawing behaviors.

While rats are not a welcomed guest in your home, there are many facts about rats that you may find intriguing. Just like any other animal, the rat has a set of unique qualities which set them apart from other living beings. These rat facts shouldn’t grant them an extended vacation in your home, but they will likely cause you to understand them better.

Many people are afraid of rats. Intense fear or phobia of rats and mice is known as musophobia. It is one of the most common specific phobias reported.

Symptoms of musophobia could include extreme anxiety, nausea, or sweating. So, if you’re among the people with a fear of rats, then know you’re not alone. Luckily, there are ways to rid them of your home so you can reclaim your peace of mind.

Explore the following rat facts to learn more about this typically unwelcomed rodent.

1. Swimming and Falling

Make no mistake, rats are tough cookies! Rats are resilient creatures which can endure hardship and adapt to change.

Believe or not, rats can survive being flushed down the toilet. They can also tread water for up to three days. One could call them great swimmers while another could call this behavior a big problem.

So, if you think drowning out or spraying a rat with water will deter them, think again. Instead, call a professional to have them permanently removed.

Rats can also fall from high distances and survive. Not only can they survive, but rats can also fall from up to 50 feet and not get injured in the process.

2. Teeth Growth

Rodents front teeth grow on a continuous basis. Rats’ front teeth grow anywhere from 4.5 to 5.5 inches per year. They are trimmed and worn down consistently by chewing on various materials.

One of the most dangerous materials a rat may chew on is electrical wires. Exposed electrical wires are a fire hazard and need to be fixed by an electrician. Otherwise, a house fire could occur.

To temporarily deter rats from chewing on wiring, set up traps and or bait poison near their water source. If you choose to set a trap, place peanut butter on it for a week without setting it. Once the rats trust the trap is safe, then you can set the trap.

3. Mating and Reproduction

Rats able to produce over 2,000 babies in a year if not dealt with appropriately. Female rats are able to mate roughly 500 times during a six-hour period which occurs about 15 times per year. Rats mature sexually in three to four months, so it’s essential to eliminate them before they overrun your home.

4. Favorite Foods

Did you know that rats have their own favorite foods? Macaroni and cheese, cooked corn, and scrambled eggs are their favorites.

However, they certainly aren’t picky. Rats also eat their own droppings.

5. Rabies Rarity

Luckily for us humans, getting rabies from a rat is extremely rare. However, rats do carry other diseases that can make us sick. If you are bitten by a rat, you’ll need to go to the emergency room to be treated by a doctor.

6. Distinct Droppings

Rat droppings differ from mice droppings. So, if you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with a rat or a mouse, check the droppings. Rat droppings have rounded edges whereas mouse droppings typically have pointy ends.

Mice droppings are small. They usually are the size of a grain of rice or smaller. Rat droppings are significantly larger making them more noticeable in your home.

7. Rats in South Florida

Certain rat species reside in South Florida. The rats in South Florida include Norway rats and Roof rats. These rats typically enter homes in South Florida via the attic or crawlspace. Cracks and openings in the foundation or siding may also give access to these unwanted pests.

Periodically, check around your home’s exterior to examine its integrity. Fill in and repair any holes or cracks to discourage rodents from entering your home. You should also place garbage bins as far away as possible from your home to deter rats from getting close.

Rat Facts and Rat Removal

These rat facts may not be something you want to share at the dinner table, but they can be useful. If you find a rat in your home, then it’s best to call a pest control company as soon as possible.

Calling a pest control company sooner than later can prevent illness and even damage to your home. To find the best pest control company, first, read online reviews. You can also ask for referrals from friends or family.

When you call a pest control company, make note of the quality of their customer service. You should also determine if they accept after-hours calls in case of a future rat emergency.

Looking for a reputable pest control company in South Florida? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our pest removal services.