Rat Control Services

Rats are one of the most common invasive and harmful pests found in homes across America. Able to squeeze into openings as small as ¼ inches in diameter, rats are adept at getting into homes and businesses, while spreading diseases and causing destruction wherever they go. Two common species of rats in the United States are Norway rats and roof rats.

Norway Rats

Appearance: Norway rats are a species of rodent known for their keen swimming ability and are thus commonly found in or around bodies of water. They have heavy bodies with blunt noses, small ears, and small, bulging, black eyes.

Adult Norway rats measure between 7 and 9 ½ inches in length. Their tails are shorter than their bodies, usually between 6 to 8 inches in length, and are bi-colored, with dark coloration on top and lighter color on the underside. Their fur is shaggy in appearance, usually brown and scattered with black hairs. The fur on their underside is lighter than the rest of their body.

Beyond their physical appearance, they can also be identified by their dark, blunt-ended, rod-shaped droppings, which can be found scattered throughout the homes and businesses that they inhabit.

Are Norway Rats Dangerous? Yes, Norway rats are dangerous to both people and properties. Like other rodents, Norway rats need to constantly chew on objects to keep their front incisors from overgrowing; this habit will damage baseboards, walls, personal property, and even electrical wiring. They contaminate food and food preparation areas with their urine, feces, and saliva, and spread serious diseases and bacteria to people and pets. They also carry harmful parasites such as mites and fleas that infest homes and businesses.

Why Do I Have a Norway Rat Problem? Outside, Norway rats burrow in garbage piles, woodpiles, and under concrete slabs. Like other household pests, they’re drawn inside seeking food, water, and shelter. Infestations are most common in late fall and winter months when cold weather drives them indoors. Because this species is a poor climber, Norway rats often infest basements, crawlspaces, and ground floors of homes and businesses.

Getting Rid of Norway Rats? Norway rats excel at accessing hard-to-reach areas around your home by squeezing through tiny openings or chewing their own entry points. Even if you eliminate visible rodents, you’ll be left dealing with hazardous biological elements such as hair, droppings, and body oils they leave behind.

For these reasons, a rodent infestation is always best left to the professionals. At Pestogone, our expert team can locate and get rid of all the Norway rats in your home while eliminating entry points and attractants to keep them out in the future.

Our methods include:

• Whole-home inspections and monitoring
• Trapping
• Exclusion methods
• Habitat modification
• Baiting programs

We also offer decontamination and waste removal for potential hantavirus contamination sites. Contact us today to learn more about your rat control options.

Roof Rats

Roof rats are physically smaller than Norway rats. Their bodies grow between 6-8 inches, with long tails adding another 6-8 inches to their total length. Roof rats are dark brown or black in color, with a contrasting lighter-colored underbelly. They have a pointed nose, large ears, and large, black eyes.

As their name implies, roof rats often enter homes and buildings via the roof. They are excellent climbers, using their long tails for balance while navigating trees and rooflines to find ways inside.

Are Roof Rats Dangerous? Roof rats can be quite dangerous to homes and businesses. Like other rodents, their ever-growing front incisors force them to chew constantly, damaging drywall, insulation, wires, pipes, furniture, clothing, and personal belongings. Their chewing creates fire hazards, water damage, and costly destruction. Additionally, they spread diseases and bacteria through their droppings and urine, including Salmonellosis and dysentery.

Why Do I Have a Roof Rat Problem? Like Norway rats, roof rats seek easy access to food, water, and shelter. They may enter any time of year, but infestations are common in the fall as they seek warm places to overwinter.

Getting Rid of Roof Rats? Effective removal of roof rats requires professional help. Pestogone’s approach includes:

• Detailed inspections to locate entry points and nests
• Implementing trapping and baiting programs
• Using exclusion methods to prevent future infestations
• Offering preventative advice to reduce attractants

Whether you’re dealing with Norway rats, roof rats, or any other rodent infestation, Pestogone is here to help. Our team of experts provides effective and reliable rodent control solutions tailored to your needs. Reach out to your local Pestogone team today to learn more about how we can help you get rid of rodents and protect your property.

Call Pestogone at 848 321 GONE for expert rat control services!