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Rats

What are rats?

Like mice, rats are small rodents very common to Rhode Island. Rodents are characterized by teeth that never stop growing. The animal must keep their teeth short by chewing on things.

Common Rat Species in the Northeast

In the northeastern United States, two rat species are most commonly encountered:

Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus):

Appearance: The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat, is large, with a heavy body, blunt nose, small ears, and a short tail. They typically have brown or gray fur.
Behavior: Norway rats are burrowers, often found in basements, crawl spaces, and the ground level of buildings. They are excellent swimmers and can often be found near water sources such as sewers, rivers, and streams.
Diet: These rats are omnivores, eating a wide variety of foods, but they prefer cereals, grains, and meats.
Habitat: Norway rats are most commonly found in urban and suburban environments, where they live in burrows or nests dug into the ground.

Roof Rat (Rattus rattus):

Appearance: Roof rats, also known as black rats, are smaller and more slender than Norway rats, with a pointed nose, large ears, and a long, thin tail. They are typically black or dark brown.
Behavior: As their name suggests, roof rats are excellent climbers and are often found in the upper parts of buildings, such as attics, ceilings, and wall voids.

What do they look like?

Rats are easily distinguished from mice based on their size. Adult rats can grow to be 8 to 10 inches in length, plus the tail. They can be grey, brown, black, or a variety of other colors, with the belly usually being lighter than the rest of the body.

Do rats bite?

Rats will bite if they feel threatened and the bite can be quite painful.

Are rats dangerous?

Yes, rats have been proven to be carriers of many different diseases and they can introduce other pests into your home, such as fleas and ticks, which can also cause health problems. They can also cause structural damage to your home with their constant gnawing and chewed wires pose serious fire hazards.

What are the signs of a rat infestation?

With a serious rat infestation the first thing you will notice is rat droppings. They are larger than mouse droppings, about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long. Look for rat nests in areas of low traffic that have a lot of clutter. Common locations include the basement, the attic and crawlspaces. The nests will be made of shredded material such as newspaper and cardboard.

Why do I have a rat problem?

The rats in your home likely found their way inside in search of food, warmth and shelter. They often enter homes through tears in screens or openings around pipes and vents. A rat can fit through a hole the size of a quarter.

Effective Rat Prevention Tips

Preventing a rat infestation is far easier than dealing with one. Here are some practical tips to keep rats out of your home or business:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your property for gaps, cracks, and holes, particularly around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Seal any openings larger than 1/4 inch with caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh.
Eliminate Food Sources: Keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up spills and crumbs promptly, and dispose of garbage in sealed bins. Rats are opportunistic feeders and will be attracted to easily accessible food.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean and declutter areas where rats could hide or nest, such as basements, attics, and garages. Remove any piles of debris, old furniture, or unused materials.
Trim Vegetation: Rats use overgrown vegetation as cover to move around undetected. Trim back bushes, trees, and other plants away from your building’s foundation and roofline.
Inspect and Repair: Regularly inspect your property for signs of damage, particularly to the roof, foundation, and exterior walls. Repair any issues promptly to prevent rats from gaining entry.

How do I get rid of rats?

Rats are very difficult to get rid of once they have found their way inside your home. They breed very quickly; a female rat can produce up to 22 babies in one litter. This means you must catch the problem early or it will quickly get out of hand. To prevent rodents from entering a structure, their capabilities must be understood. Our wildlife division has the experience and knowledge to locate and repair potential entry points to reduce rodent activity. Professional rodent control help is almost always needed. Residents in Providence, Shrewsbury, or elsewhere in Rhode Island or Massachusetts should contact Big Blue Bug Solutions as soon as they see any of the signs of a rat infestation.

Rat Control FAQ

Q1: How do rats get into buildings?
Rats can enter through very small openings, including gaps around doors and windows, holes in walls, vents, and even through plumbing or sewer lines.

Q2: What should I do if I see a rat on my property?
If you spot a rat, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a professional pest control service to assess the situation and implement control measures.

Q3: Are rats dangerous to pets?
Yes, rats can be dangerous to pets, as they may carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to animals. Rats may also bite if cornered or threatened.

Q4: How can I tell if the rats are Norway rats or roof rats?
Norway rats are larger, with a heavier body and shorter tail, and are usually found at ground level. Roof rats are smaller, more slender, with a longer tail, and are typically found in higher areas of buildings.

Q5: Can I use DIY methods to control rats?
While DIY methods may help in the short term, they are often not effective for eliminating a rat infestation. Professional pest control is recommended for comprehensive and lasting results.

Q6: How often should I have my property inspected for rats?
Regular inspections, at least once a year, are recommended to catch potential infestations early and take preventive measures.

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Rat prevention tips from Big Blue Bug Solutions

The biggest attraction for rats is food. Store all food properly to avoid attracting rats into your home. Use airtight containers of metal, heavy-duty plastic or glass. Clean any spills and messes immediately. Another step you can take to prevent rats from entering your home is to carefully inspect the outside of your home for possible entry points and fix or seal any openings of more than 1/4 inch.

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