Because Laying Poison Is Only Half The Battle!
Black house rat, also known as roof rat, is one of the most widespread species on this planet. Black rats have a very fast reproductive rate, they are every house owner’s worst nightmare. However, as long as they have the right food sources in your home, you can’t kick them out.
To get rid of black rats, there are certain things that you should know about them such as habitat, diet, and behavior. In this article, you will learn about these facts making it easier to prevent this nightmare from happening to you.
How Does A Black House Rat Looks Like?
A black house rat is a medium-sized rodent. They usually have sleek and slender bodies and measure around 16 to 24 centimeters in length. Their scientific name is Black Rat Rattus Rattus and they have a pointed nose with large ears.
Although black house rats don’t usually come with black fur, they can be brown, grey, or even dark brown. Here are some quick facts that you should know:
- Other common names of a black house rat are ship rat and house rat
- They are mostly found in urban areas, forests, coastal regions, and agricultural lands.
- Black house rats are omnivores in nature, they mostly eat fruits, seeds, or other small species around them.
- These species reproduce at an incredible speed of multiple litters per year.
- They typically live up to 1-2 years in the wild.
- Black house rats are mostly known for spreading diseases destroying the natural cycle of agriculture and causing structural damage.
Habitat And Distribution Of Black House Rat Specie
Blackhouse rats are intelligent rodents because of their ability to adapt to diverse environments. However, they spread across the maritime trade which gives them the tag of “ship rats”.
On the other hand, they prefer warm climates to survive but can live in colder regions by making shelters in the abandoned structures, and inside the trees. While Norweigan rats tend to burrow underground, black house rats opt for higher grounds to protect themselves from predators and to have easy access to food.
If you have grown vegetation in your backyard, there’s a higher chance you may encounter these rats because they love to eat vegetables, fruits, seeds, etc.
As I said before, black rats have a sharp mind, it becomes challenging for the rat pest control team to catch them.
What Do Rats Eat: Diet And Feeding Habits
Black rats can eat anything. They consume a wide variety of foods based on availability. Their diet includes fruits, seeds, grains, nuts, insects, and small vertebrates.
In urban areas, they frequently search for human food waste, making them a common sight near garbage bins and food storage facilities. Their eating habits are a significant threat to agriculture, as they consume and pollute stored grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Additionally, they exhibit hoarding behavior, storing food in hidden locations for later consumption. Their diet varies with seasonal availability, and they are known to adapt their eating habits depending on food scarcity.
So, what do rats eat? I guess that includes almost everything that is accessible to them.
10 Signs Your Place Is Infested With The Rats
Moving into the house which is a hometown for the rats is something no one would ever want. Here are the ten common signs to check if your house is infested with the rats:
1. Scratching Noise At Night
Rats are mostly active during the nighttime to search for food or do whatever stuff they want like building a nest or scratching your furniture. If you hear scratching or scurrying sounds coming from your walls, loft, or under the floorboards, it’s a strong indication of rats.
2. Rat Waste Around Your Home
Rat droppings are the most obvious signs of an infestation. You’re likely to find them near food sources, inside cupboards, along skirting boards, or in hidden corners where rats travel. Regularly spotting new droppings indicates an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed and fixed.
Have you ever thought about what do rat droppings look like? These are small, dark, and shaped like grains of rice considering the size of an average rat.
3. Gnaw Marks on Furniture and Wires
Rats have strong teeth that continuously grow, which means they need to chew on hard materials to keep them in check. If you notice bite marks on wooden furniture, skirting boards, or electrical wires, it’s a warning sign.
Their chewing habits not only damage your furniture but also pose a threat of fire hazards or short circuits. If you are encountering such problems, look out for professional help or get a proper Bed Bug Heat Treatment London for your daily-use furniture items.
4. Greasy Marks Along Walls and Floors
Rats follow the same paths along walls and skirting boards, leaving behind greasy marks on their fur. These dirty marks become more noticeable over time and indicate frequent rodent activity. If you start to see these marks appearing in different areas, the infestation is likely spreading.
5. Unusual Pet Behaviour
Cats and dogs have a keen sense of smell and hearing, which makes them more likely to detect rodents before you do. If your pet suddenly becomes obsessed with a certain area of the house, frequently sniffs under furniture, or scratches at walls, they could be sensing the presence of rats. Paying attention to their behavior can help you spot a problem early.
6. Nests Made from Shredded Materials
Rats build their nests using shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and other soft materials. These nests are often hidden in warm, undisturbed places such as lofts, behind appliances, or inside wall cavities. Finding a nest suggests that rats have been in your home for some time and may already be breeding.
7. Strong Ammonia-Like Smell
A persistent musty or urine-like odor in certain areas of your home can be a sign of rat activity. Their urine has a strong smell that builds up over time, especially in enclosed spaces. If you’ve noticed an unusual scent that doesn’t go away with cleaning, it could be a sign that rats are nesting nearby.
8. Chewed Food Packaging and Missing Food
Rats are always looking for food, and their sharp teeth allow them to chew through plastic, cardboard, and even metal packaging. If you start finding torn food packets, missing ingredients, or contaminated food supplies, it’s a clear indication that rodents have been inside your kitchen or pantry.
9. Holes in Walls or Gardens
Rats create small holes to enter buildings, and they also dig burrows outdoors. If you spot holes in your walls, gaps around pipes, or burrows in your garden, rats are likely using these entry points to access your home. Sealing them off is an important step in preventing further infestations.
10. Sightings of Live or Dead Rats
Seeing a rat inside your home, whether alive or dead, usually means there is more hiding nearby. Rats are secretive creatures, so if they are venturing out during the day, the infestation may already be severe.
Spotting them outdoors in your garden or near your bins can also indicate a nearby colony.
What Diseases Do Rats Carry?
At this point, you might be thinking what diseases do rats carry? Without having any doubts, it is clear that rats are dirty and cause several diseases. If your house is crawled with rats and have children with you, there could be severe consequences.
Below, I have mentioned some diseases that you can get through direct contact, or eating contaminated food:
- Leptospirosis: Spread through rat urine, this bacterial infection can contaminate water and food. It causes fever, muscle pain, and in severe cases, kidney or liver damage.
- Salmonella: Rats spread salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. It leads to food poisoning, with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
- Hantavirus: Airborne particles from rat urine and droppings can transmit hantavirus, causing flu-like symptoms that may develop into severe respiratory issues.
- Rat-Bite Fever: Transmitted through bites or contact with infected rodents, this disease causes fever, rashes, and joint pain. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
- Plague: Although rare today, rats still carry fleas that spread plague bacteria. Symptoms include fever, swollen glands, and in severe cases, life-threatening infections.
Bottom Line
Having rats in your house is a common infestation that you shouldn’t ignore. Some people who aren’t allergic to animals pet black rat snakes to prevent infestations as they eat rodents and other small species.
It’s a wise choice to get professional assistance from experts as it’s their day-to-day routine and can give you a better opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Rats Rate In The UK?
Yes, black rats are rare in the UK, their population has declined due to habitat changes and competition from the brown rats. They are mostly found in coastal areas, ports, forests, and rural regions.
What Does It Mean If A Rat Is Black?
A black-colored rat is also known as a ship rat are known as black because of their fur color. They have longer tails and are incredible climbers. They are usually found on higher grounds.
How Do You Get Rid Of Black Rats?
To prevent black rats from entering your house, you should seal the entry points and remove nesting materials. Install a black cat rat trap to effectively catch a rat.
What’s The Difference Between A Black Rat And A Brown Rat?
Black rats are smaller and have longer tails and ears compared to brown rats. Whereas, brown rats tend to live under the ground and are larger.
