Rats can be found all over the world, especially in proximity to human settlements. In the wild they tend to make burrows underground close to trees and other overhead shelter. When living among people, they tend to nest in attics, wall voids and other secluded spaces.

Two of the most common rat species in Canada are the Norway Rat (also called a brown rat) and the Roof Rat (also called a black rat). Rats are attracted to environments with a high level of moisture, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics.

Roof Rats tend to prefer elevated areas like trees and rafters, hence their name. Some species of rat, like the marsh rice rat, are semi-aquatic and live in swamps and salt marshes.

Rats can live up to three years, although most don’t live past one. They reach maturity and can start reproducing by the age of 10 weeks. A female rat can produce up to five litters of 7-14 individuals per year.

Their gestation period is about 21 days, and they mate frequently. If left unchecked, only a couple of rats can turn into a population of thousands within one year under ideal conditions.

Rats are omnivores and will eat just about anything. Norway rats tend to prefer fatty foods, while Roof Rats prefer grains, seeds and nuts.

Rats are attracted to cluttered environments with plenty of hiding spots. Since they are considerably larger than mice, they need to find areas that are more secluded and harder to reach in order to set up protected nests.

Rats prefer warmer, moister environments. During the colder months when the temperature starts to drop below 15C, they will tend to seek shelter, gaining access to buildings through cracks and crevices in walls, foundations and around windows and doors.

Seal all potential entry points to your home or business. Check foundations, around pipes and vents leading into or out of your building, and under porches and patios.

Clear debris and clutter from your property, inside and out. Ensure that gardens, shrubs and bushes are properly maintained and that old vegetation is cleared out.

Clean up food debris and spills, secure all stored foods in sealed and inaccessible containers, and fix all sources of water such as leaky plumbing fixtures. If you have a pet, stay on top of cleaning their dishes, don’t leave food out, and clean up their waste immediately.

Rats can pose an array of health risks to humans. They spread disease by contaminating food and surfaces with bacteria, and can also carry fleas, lice and ticks.

These rodents can also devastate businesses by ravaging stored food, causing damage to structures, and scaring off customers. They can even knock out power and start electrical fires.

Having rats in your home or business is a serious problem. Immediate action should be taken to address the issue. The sooner you can remove a rat infestation, the better.

Sealing entry points, cleaning up foodstuffs and reducing clutter in your space can help address a rat control problem, but there is no substitute for calling in professional help.

If you notice signs of a rats in your space, including feces, gnaw marks or sounds, or damage to your structure or stored items, call us right away. We’ll identify the extent of the infestation and take the proper steps to remove it safely and effectively.