Eliminating Rats In The Home

By Author: nick smmith
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Having rats in the house can be dangerous. The two most prevalent rats in New Jersey are the Norway Rat and the Roof Rat. The Norway Rat is most frequently found in urban areas. They are often called “water rats” and/or “sewer rats”. They are grey or brown with small eyes and ears, which distinguish them from roof rats. These rats live in large colonies and have no qualms about living close to humans. They inhabit the lower portions of buildings, areas containing large amounts of garbage, ponds, and sewers. Norway rats are a threat to public health because they carry fleas and parasites and can transmit dangerous diseases, including the potentially fatal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The Roof Rat is a sub-tropical species, originally transferred to New Jersey ports via cargo ships. They are very dark brown (almost black), with light under-bellies, large eyes and ears, and weigh approximately 10-12 ounces. They are expert climbers and live in the upper branches of trees and the tops of high buildings. Roof Rats consume huge amounts of food and can root out stored food fairly easily. They carry fleas and mites ...
... and can spread bubonic plague and typhus. Regardless of the type of rat infestation, rat problems are serious and should be addressed quickly.

If you suspect you have rats in the house, you should address the problem as quickly as possible. Below are some steps you can take to eliminate them.

1. Check to ensure that you have rats in your home instead of other rodents or critters. Rats can be identified by the size of their droppings which resemble raisins. They also leave holes in your home, nests (usually made of paper or cloth) and tooth marks on paper, cardboard and other surfaces.

2. Try to identify where they rodents have been entering your home. If you're unsure of how they're getting into your home, spread a thin layer of flour where you believe they're entering and leaving your home. Overnight, the rodents will walk through the flour, leaving footprints. Seal all of the entrances to prevent further infestation.

3. Remove the rats’ food and housing sources by keeping your home especially clean. Be sure not to leave crumbs or pet food on the floor. Seal your garbage or relocate it while you exterminate the rodents from your house.

4. Set up traps close together in the infested area. Use bait such as peanut butter, chips, bacon, candy, cheese and crackers.

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