Where Do Roof, Norway & Wood Rats Go During the Day in Ocala, FL & How to Get Rid of Them
Whether it’s your home, restaurant or commercial building, rats seem to be a common problem faced by many Florida homes and businesses. Owners here seem to run into the same three rat species. Pest 911 will share some information about Roof, Norway and Wood Rats. We’ll tell you how you can tell them apart, their individual behaviors, and how it is important to work together with your local pest control company to control and prevent rodent infestations.
Getting Rid of Roof Rats in Your Attic
The roof rat, also known as the palm rat, fruit rat, citrus rat and black rat, is one of the most common species of rats found in south Florida. The roof rat is mostly vegetarian, but will eat whatever is available. A single female roof rat can produce up to 20 offspring per year with a typical life span of three years. The roof rat can grow up to eight inches in length, with black or dark brown fur that is smooth. However their colors can vary. The roof rat has a long scaly tail with a large set of ears and eyes. Another identifying trait is the feces. Each species of rat will have their own unique shape and size of their feces. Roof rat feces resemble somewhat of a banana. It is slightly curved with a point on each end and measures slightly less than ½ inch long. Roof Rats like to nest on roof tops and attic spaces.
How to Get Rid of Norway Rats in Your Home & Garden
Norway rats are also known as brown rat, common rat, house rat, sewer rat, wharf rat, water rat and super rat on account of their larger size. Where the roof rat is one of the most common of rats found outside, the Norway rat is one of the most common species of rat found inside homes. They are found lurking indoors for food and shelter from unpleasant weather conditions. Norway rats are omnivores that will feed on vegetation or meats. They will also burrow underground which explains why they are frequently found in basement and crawl spaces. The Norway rat will hide during the day and venture out at night to search for food and water. The life span of a Norway rat is short. They can live up to a year, but during that year, a female Norway rat can produce up to 22 offspring. Norway Rats can grow over a foot in length and have shaggy brown or grey fur. They have shorter tails than the Roof Rat as well. In addition, their eyes and ears are much smaller. The feces of the Norway rat are much bigger than a Roof Rat and have more of a capsule shape.
How to Keep Pack Rats AKA Wood Rats Away
Wood rats are also knows as trade rats or pack rats. The wood rat is one of the less common species of rat. They mostly inhabit the northern parts of Florida, but like all rats, they can be found in other states as well. What make these rats far worse than other rat species is that they don’t only eat your food and cause damage like all the other rats species, but they also have a hoarding problem. They will steal items from all around your household, hence the name pack rat. The Wood Rat grows up to seven inches in length. They range from grey, brown to black in color and they will also have fine soft fur. One of the easiest traits to identify the wood rat is the fact they have fur covering their tail where the Norway and Roof rat will have scales instead.
Rodent Control & Removal
All rats are drawn to clutter and mess. Within such places they can find food such as bugs. To avoid rats, keep your home and yard free of clutter. Also repair all leaky pipes and plumbing in and outside of the property. Don’t leave food or edible items out for rats to feed on. A great addition to controlling rodents is to contact your local pest control company. Working together is essential to managing rats. Pest 911 can help control rodents and pest problems alike. Contact us today to be rodent free.
