Top Facts About Rats

Here Are Downriver Pest Control's Top 6 Facts About Rats

1. Highly Intelligent Creatures

Rats are incredibly smart and can solve complex puzzles, remember routes, and even learn tricks, much like dogs!

2. Teeth That Never Stop Growing

A rat’s teeth never stop growing! They have to gnaw constantly on wood, plastic, and even metal to keep their teeth trimmed.

3. Rats Can Squeeze Through Tiny Spaces

Rats can squeeze through spaces as small as a quarter inch (about the size of a dime) thanks to their flexible bodies and collapsible skeletons.

4. Incredibly Fast Reproduction

A single pair of rats can produce up to 2,000 offspring in a year, making infestations grow rapidly if left untreated.

5. Omnivorous Diet

Rats will eat almost anything—fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat. In urban environments, they’re notorious for scavenging through trash and pantries.

6. Survivors of Extreme Conditions

Rats are known for their resilience and can survive in extreme environments, including sewers, deserts, and even cities that freeze in winter.

Keep Your Home Clean

Declutter Your Home: Rats thrive in cluttered areas. Keep storage spaces, basements, and garages tidy by removing piles of newspapers, cardboard, and other materials that could serve as nesting spots.

Yard Maintenance: Trim vegetation, remove debris, and keep woodpiles or outdoor clutter elevated and away from the foundation of your home.

Regular Cleaning: Regularly vacuum and sweep floors, especially in food-preparation areas.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect for Gaps and Holes: Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Seal cracks in walls, foundations, roofs, and around doors or windows using steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.

Check Pipes and Vents: Ensure that plumbing, drainage, and ventilation openings are tightly sealed. Use metal screens over vents and repair any damaged ones.

Remove Potential Shelter

Elevate Outdoor Storage: Store firewood, building materials, and other outdoor items at least 18 inches off the ground and away from walls.

Control Rodent-Friendly Areas: Avoid leaving piles of brush, leaves, or mulch near the home. Clean out sheds, garages, and other outdoor structures regularly.

Proper Waste Management

Compost Correctly: If you compost, make sure your compost pile is properly managed and kept away from the house. Use closed containers to prevent attracting rats.

Keep Pet Food and Bird Seed Secured: Do not leave pet food or bird seed outside, as these are common food sources for rats. Store them in sealed containers.