8 Surprising & Interesting Rat facts

There are more than 2000 types of rodents

When you think of rodents you probably think of mice and rats, and probably not much else. But there are over 2000 types of rodents, and they include squirrels, chipmunks, porcupines, and many more! There are a variety of rodents around the world, but the two most common rodents in Sarasota, FL are the Roof Rat and the Norway Rat rattus norvegicus. Roof Rats are excellent climbers that prefer to nest in high places. They’re medium sized rodent, usually black or dark brown with a slender body and a long tail. Roof Rats are very common in attics, and are often responsible for noises inside the attic. Norway’s are a more robust, short tailed rat compared to the Roof Rat. Norway Rats are usually brown or gray and spend the majority of their life on the ground, and will even burrow underground when conditions allow for it. Both the Norway Rat and Roof Rat are primarily nocturnal.

The word rodent comes from a Latin word that means to “gnaw”

Different types of rodents use their sharp, strong teeth for eating food, break through barriers, and to defend themselves. Like those of other rodents, a rat’s teeth never stop growing throughout their lives. On average, a rat’s teeth can grow between 4 to 5 inches per year. Rodents wear down the teeth by gnawing on wiring, AC ducts, wood, and metal. Consequently, the sound of their chewing or of a rat eating is what often alerts homeowners that they have a rat infestation in the attic. Once the chewing is heard, our customers know it’s time for professional rat control.

Rat Facts: Female rats reproduce as early as 3 months old

A female rat can mate as many as 500 times with various males during a 6-hour period. Thus, a pair of rats can reproduce to an astonishing 2,000 descendants in a year! It is any wonder that a rat infestation can be difficult to get rid of when they repopulate this quickly. This is why rodent fertility control (birth control for rats) was created. Rodent fertility control targets both male and female rats, so it’s highly effective when used for large infestations.

Rats can tread water

Rats can swim in water for up to three days; therefore, if you flush them down the toilet, they may actually come back up through the same route! That’s pretty shocking and terrifying, though.

Rats transmit diseases

Rats pose a health risk as they are known to transmit and carry diseases to humans, including, Q fever, plague, Weil’s disease, the bubonic plague, black death, salmonella, and viral hemorrhagic fever. If you suspect you have a rat infestation, the best thing you can do is to call your local rodent removal specialist to remove them immediately.

Unlike many other pests which are relatively harmless, rats are known transmitters of disease. They have also become well equiped to living with humans. Where as humans live with rats, only when they are unaware they are doing so. Decontamination is highly recommended after the rodent issue has been resolved.

Rodents can squeeze through tiny holes

Mice can squeeze through holes as small as ¼ inch, and rats can squeeze through areas that are less than an inch in diameter! This is where your local rodent removal specialist will come into play. A proper rodent inspection is essential to find these key areas, which are often not visible to the untrained eye. You may think the space is too small for a rodent to creep in, but you’re better safe than sorry.

Even rodents get bullied

Rats fall into problems with peer pressure just like humans do! They will often do whatever the others in their pack are doing just to fit in, even if that means eating food they are not familiar with. This can be a positive and a negative when it comes to rodent removal and trapping.

Do not underestimate a rodent’s brain 

Rodents are quite intelligent, especially given their size. In 2007, scientists discovered that, like humans, they can reason and make decisions based on what the rat learns. Many tests are being conducted on rodents to prove that they are intelligent creatures.

Rats Should Always Be Removed

Though these rat facts are fascinating, rodents and rat infestations can often become an unwelcome problem in your home and are far from ideal housemates. Rodents can cause serious damage when left untreated, not to mention certain health risks rats can pose on your household. If you suspect you’re dealing with a rodent issue, it’s highly recommended that you reach out to your local rodent removal specialist at Rodent Solutions to assess the situation and formulate a plan that will end your rat problem as quickly as possible.