Monday, December 26, 2022 by Greeny’s Pest Control Inc.
Rats are a common sight in many parts of Ontario, and they can be found in both urban and rural areas. While they may not be the most popular animals, it's important to understand more about them in order to prevent conflicts and protect our communities.
First of all, it's important to know that there are two main types of rats found in Ontario: the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are also known as brown rats, and they are larger than roof rats, with a body that can be up to 10 inches long. They are typically found at ground level, and they are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and yards. Roof rats, on the other hand, are smaller and more agile, with a body that is only about 6 inches long. They are often found in trees, attics, and other high places.
Rats are known to carry a number of diseases, including salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. They can also carry fleas, which can transmit diseases to humans. It's important to take precautions to prevent rat infestations, such as sealing up holes and cracks in your home and keeping food in containers with tight-fitting lids.
One of the biggest problems with rats is that they are prolific breeders. Female rats can have litters of up to 12 young every few months, and the young can start reproducing when they are just a few months old. This means that a small rat problem can quickly turn into a much larger one if left unchecked.
There are several steps that you can take to prevent rat infestations. One of the most effective is to make sure that you don't have any sources of food or water available to rats. This means keeping trash cans securely covered, not leaving pet food out overnight, and fixing any leaks in your home. You should also make sure that your home is well-sealed, with no holes or cracks that rats can use to get inside.
If you do have a rat problem, there are several options for dealing with it. One option is to use traps, which can be either lethal or non-lethal. Lethal traps are generally more effective, but they do raise ethical concerns. Non-lethal traps, such as live traps, can be used to capture rats and release them elsewhere, but they may not be as effective at controlling the population.
If you're not comfortable dealing with rats on your own, you can also hire a pest control company like ours to help. They can identify the source of the problem and come up with a plan to eliminate the rats and prevent them from returning.
In conclusion, rats are a common problem in Ontario, and they can pose a serious health risk if left unchecked. By taking preventive measures and using effective control methods, you can help keep your home and community safe from these pests.