Rats are dangerous, destructive and known transmitters of harmful diseases that make rat control a high priority in Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey communities. But these pests are also highly intelligent, social and adaptable animals that often exhibit surprisingly human behaviors.
1. Social Butterflies
Rats live in social packs that can include dozens of rats. When happy, rats will chatter and grind their teeth at each other. They also make happy laugh-like sounds when they play together. However, when deprived of the companionship of other rats, these rodents show signs of loneliness and depression.
Rats living together in a pack care for each other, nursing injured or sick pack members, grooming each other and sharing child care duties to some extent. Considering the natural curiosity of these rodents, it seems appropriate that a pack of rats is called a “mischief.”
2. Super Survivalists
Rats are extremely adaptable and excellent survivalists.
- A rat can survive without water longer than a camel.
- Rats can swim for three days before drowning and have been known to survive being flushed down a toilet.
- Scent glands on the bottoms of their feet leave trails wherever rats walk. This allows pack members to follow foraging trails and return home without getting lost. Monmouth County rat control experts use this trail-following trait to determine trap and bait locations to eliminate rat infestations.
3. Prolific Breeders
Female rats can start breeding at six weeks. With eight pups in the average litter, a rat can have more than 180 babies during her two-year lifespan.
Their phenomenal breeding rate make rats a formidable pest. For expert rat extermination, call Allison Pest Control today.