New Jersey pest control experts warn New Jersey residents that rat populations continue to rise during the winter months. Rats are one of the most bothersome pests throughout the United States for both homeowners and businesses alike. Rats are known to carry and transmit parasites and diseases such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Rat-bite fever, Leptospirosis, and Salmonella, which can be dangerous for humans and pets. Additionally, rats have a voracious appetite and are always on the hunt for a good food source. Once they find food, they eat and contaminate everything in their path. Many people may not see actual rats, but the trail of urine and feces that they leave behind is a sign of their presence.
Here’s an interesting rat fact to ponder…just one rat will release approximately three gallons of urine in a year time period. In the world of rats, urine serves as an attractant to other rats in the area. Female rats do not have a breeding season and are fertile all year long. In fact, unless they are carrying a litter, they will come into heat every 4 to 5 days. It’s easy to see how one rat living in an attic, crawl space, or restaurant, or other type of structure, can quickly turn into a huge rat infestation.
There are two types of rats in New Jersey that are the most predominate pests you will find. The Norway rat and roof rat are similar in their destructive behavior, but have different characteristics and habits. Both types of rat species survive under a wide variety of climates and conditions. Rats will enter a building structure through small holes, cracks and crevices.
Roof rats are agile climbers. You will typically find these rats living in nests above the ground. Outdoors, they will live in trees, ivy and shrubs. Once they enter a building they can typically be found in false ceilings, attics, walls, cabinets and other elevated spaces. Roof rats grow to about 6 to 8 inches long. A roof rat is typically black and its tail is longer than its head and body combined.
Check back on Wednesday for the conclusion.