Rat Pest Control & Removal Near You

In the United States, the most common rats we see in the pest control industry are the Norway rat and the roof rat. Both are considered pests and known carriers of diseases, but they differ in size, appearance, and behavior.

• Appearance: Roof rats have smooth, gray, or black fur on top and light-colored undersides, while Norway rats have coarse coats that are more brownish-gray. You can also tell them apart by their size. Roof rats are usually around eight inches long when they’re grown, while Norway rats can reach lengths of up to ten inches. Another distinguishing feature is their tails – roof rats tend to have much longer tails compared to Norway rats. Norway rats also have a blunt muzzle and roof rats have a pointed muzzle.
• Behavior: This is where we see the biggest difference between the two rats. Roof rats search for food and shelter up high, using power lines and tree branches to sneak into houses or stores. They make nests in attics, ceilings, and empty spaces within walls. While they will eat almost anything, they prefer seeds, nuts, and berries whenever possible. They also feed on slugs, snails, and other insects. On the other hand, Norway rats are great diggers and prefer staying low to the ground. They dig tunnels along buildings, near gardens, or under piles of garbage. To get inside buildings, they use vents and small openings around pipes. Norway rats are opportunistic eaters and will eat practically anything, but prefer meat, fish, and cereal.

Neither pest is a good option for a house guest, so if you suspect you have a rat problem, contact Fox Pest Control today! We’re rat control experts and ready to help you take back your home!

Rats can easily squeeze into tiny spaces, fitting into gaps or cracks about a ½ inch wide, and then wiggle their way through. Regularly inspecting and securing potential entry points can help prevent rat infestations in your home. If you suspect a rat problem, call Fox Pest Control today!

Rats enter homes looking for food, water, and shelter. The kitchen, basement, or other places with food storage are often the most obvious hiding places. To prevent rats, it’s crucial to eliminate attractants such as accessible food, water, and shelter. Seal potential entry points, keep the surroundings clean, and address any issues that might make your home appealing to rats. If you suspect rats are living in your home, call Fox Pest Control. When you sign up for our Home Protection Plan, we treat your home year-round so you can always feel safe and protected in your home.

Yes, rats can pose several dangers, both to human health and property. Rats can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, the bubonic plague, and hantavirus. Because they often travel directly from an unsanitary area to your kitchen, they can also spread salmonella. Rats may also be infested with fleas or ticks that can carry diseases. Because rats have strong and continuously growing incisors, they gnaw on various materials, including wood, wires, and insulation. This behavior can result in structural damage to buildings, electrical issues, and even fire hazards. If you want to protect your family and home from rats, call Fox Pest Control today.

Yes, rats can cause significant damage to homes and structures. Their destructive behavior is mainly driven by their need to gnaw and chew continuously to keep their incisors from growing too long. This gnawing behavior can damage wooden structures, electrical wiring, plastic, and metal. Rats leave behind droppings, urine, and hair that can contaminate surfaces and materials, posing health risks.

Rats are not common carriers of rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects mammals, and it is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites. While many mammals can carry and transmit rabies, rodents like rats are less likely to be carriers.

The idea that rats love cheese, as shown in movies, is not entirely correct. Rats eat various foods, and while they can eat cheese, it’s not their favorite. Rats prefer a mix of grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. They like high-calorie and easy-to-find foods. Rats’ food choices depend on what’s available, how hungry they are, and what they’re used to eating. In the wild, rats look for a balanced diet to stay healthy.

Rats are opportunistic eaters with a varied diet. While preferences can vary among individual rats, they’ll usually eat everything from fruit and nuts to vegetables, meat, and garbage. They enjoy high-energy foods like high-sugar foods or high-protein foods. They willingly dig into pet food, bird seed, peanut butter, or other foods if they can.

Rats and mice are both rodents, but they have several differences in size, appearance, behavior, and habitat. Understanding these differences can help identify and manage rodent infestations effectively.

Here are some key distinctions between rats and mice:

• Body Size: Rats are generally larger than mice. Adult rats can be 9 to 11 inches long (excluding the tail). Mice are smaller, with adult mice typically measuring 2.5 to 4 inches (excluding the tail).
• Ears: Rats have larger ears relative to their body size, and their ears are more prominent. Mice have relatively smaller ears compared to rats. Mice’s ears are more rounded, while rats have a slimmer ear shape.
• Tail: Rats have longer tails compared to mice. A rat’s tail is usually shorter than its body, but it’s longer in proportion to its body than a mouse’s tail.
• Droppings: Mice feces are about the size and shape of a grain of rice. Norwegian rat droppings are pill-shaped, and roof rat droppings are banana-shaped. Mice spread their droppings everywhere, but rats are more careful and use a specific hiding spot as a “latrine.”

Whether it’s a rat or a mouse that’s invaded your home, Fox Pest Control will take care of you. Both rodents are included in our Home Protection Plan, which means you get year-round protection for your family. Call today!