Rats are an unfortunate part of living in such an amazing place like Los Angeles or Orange County. They generally have pointed heads with bodies that can grow to become quite round with long tails and small round ears. Rats are extraordinarily dangerous to have around because they can carry a multitude of diseases and cause massive property damage to your house.
Typically rats can be found only in some of the more secluded places like dumpsters, crawlspaces, attics, or anywhere where there isn’t a lot of human traffic. Rats are notorious for their quick birthing cycles which can be incredibly dangerous if they decide to build their nests somewhere in your home. A female can produce a litter of 6-10 pups roughly every three weeks, and those pups become sexually mature in about 3-4 months.
Why Do Rats Enter Your Home?
Rats are constantly looking for ways to get into your home for a variety of reasons, but ultimately it’s simply for survival. A rat may want to find their way into your home, so they can find food, water, and shelter.
They are sly and creative home invaders that will find ways into your home that you would’ve never thought of. All a rat really needs is enough room to squeeze their heads through and the rest will follow. Whether it’s gaps in crawl space vents, tree limbs touching your roof, or even part of the foundation separating from settling over time, rats will find a way.
Different Types of Rats in California
Here are 3 of the most common rats you may find in your California home.
Norway Rats
At about 7-9.5 inches long, Norway rats are one of the most common rats found in California. Their topside is typically brownish with black mixed in while their underside is usually grey and white, sometimes even yellowish. Their bodies and heads are longer than their tails and they are typically referred to as sewer or street rats.
Roof Rats
Another common rat in California is the roof rat. The roof rat is smaller than the Norway rat measuring at about 6-8 inches long, but unlike Norway rats, the Roof Rat’s tail is typically longer than the head and body. They are mostly black and even their underside is typically darker than a Norway.
Kangaroo Rats
In more of the drier and desert climates of California the Kangaroo rat can be found. The Kangaroo rat’s body is about 3.5-5.5 inches and their tails are roughly 5.5-6.5 inches long. They are called the Kangaroo rat because they tend to hop around on two feet much like that of a kangaroo.
Signs of a Rat Infestation
Here are 3 telltale signs you have a rat infestation. If you notice any of the following signs of a rat infestation, contact a rat exterminator near you as soon as possible.
- Droppings and Urine: Rats are not hygienic at all, in fact most rats will defecate and urinate as they are walking, even if it means it gets on them too. Finding droppings around your home is a sure sign of rat activity.
- Gnawing: Finding bite marks around areas of your home can indicate rat activity. Take a minute to inspect them and see if they might look like rodent activity.
- Noises: Another obvious sign of rat activity is simply noise! If it sounds like the noise is coming from the wall, attic, or crawlspace then there is a good chance you might be hearing rats.
How to Prevent Rat Infestations
Prevent rat infestations in your home by sealing gaps, trimming trees, and by hiring a rat exterminator.
Seal Gaps
This may be tricky, but taking some time to inspect your property and sealing any gaps that may lead inside the home.
Trim Trees
Tree branches and plants that lean up against a home act as a perfect bridge for rats and other critters to access your home. Walk around the exterior of your home and trim away anything that is touching your house.
Hire a Rat Exterminator
The easiest and safest way to prevent rat activity in your home is to hire a professional company that has the experience, knowledge, and equipment to rid and prevent rat activity.
Hire a Professional Rat Exterminator
Taking on a rat infestation alone is possible, but extremely difficult. You not only heighten your chances of being exposed to disease, but it may take a long time to get it under control, due to their quick birthing cycles. Consider hiring the professionals at Pacific Pest Control to take on your rat infestations.
Our team has been eradicating rats from the homes in Los Angeles and Orange County for many years and know exactly what to look for and where. Contact Pacific Pest Control today and get a free estimate if you think you might be experiencing a rat infestation.
