8 Surprising & Interesting Rat facts

There are a large variety of different rodents in the world, one of the most well-known and unwelcome species being the rat. Despite what you may have learned from the movie Ratatouille, rats can cause a lot of problems in your home. Despite the little rodents creating a menace, they can be fascinating. Below is a compilation of some interesting facts about rats and rodents in general that may surprise you. Here are some interesting rat facts.

1. 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.

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

Different types of rodents use their sharp incisors to gnaw food, break through barriers and defend themselves. Their teeth grow from 4.5 inches to 5.5 inches a year. Rodents wear down the teeth by gnawing on wiring, AC ducts, wood, and metal.  Consequently, for rats, the sound of their chewing 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

3. 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.

4. Rats can tread in 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 a pretty shocking and terrifying though.

5. Rats transmit diseases

Rats pose a health risk as they are known to transmit serious diseases to humans, including, Q fever, plague, Weil’s disease and viral hemorrhagic fever. If you suspect you have a rat infestation, the best thing you can do, is to call your local rodent exterminator,  Rodent Solutions to remove them immediately. Unlike many other pests which are relatively harmless, rats are known transmitters of disease.

6. Rodents can squeeze through tiny holes

Mice can squeeze through holes as small as ¼- inch! So make sure you seal up any cracks in your foundation, soffit, doorways, roof, garage or any other areas where rats may be able to sneak in. You may think the space is too small for a rodent to creep in, but you’re better safe than sorry.

7. Even rodents get bullied

Rats fall in to 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.

8. Do not underestimate a rodent’s brain power

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

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.