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RATS IN TEXAS

Texas is known for its hot weather, wide open spaces, and…rats. Yes, rats can be a problem in Texas, just like they are in any other state. If you have rats in your home or business, it can be a serious health hazard. Not only that, but rats can also do significant damage to your property.

In this article, we will discuss how to identify a rat problem, the dangers of rats, and how to control them. We will also provide some tips on how to keep your home and business safe from these pesky pests!

What type of rats are found in Texas?

NORWAY RAT

The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat or sewer rat, is one of the most common rats in Texas. These rats are typically brown or black, and they can grow to be up to 18 inches long. Norway rats are good swimmers and climbers, so they can access your home or business through holes in the foundation or roof. Once inside, they will build their nests in dark, secluded areas like attics and crawl spaces.

Norway rats are notorious for spreading disease, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. A pest control company can help you do this by using baits and traps to catch the rats and prevent them from coming back.

ROOF RAT

The roof rat, also known as the black rat, is smaller than the Norway rat and has a longer tail. These rats are typically black or brown, and they can grow to be up to 16 inches long. Roof rats are good climbers, so they can access your business or home through holes in the roof or eaves. Once inside, they will build their nests in high places like attics and ceilings.

Like Norway rats, roof rats are also known for spreading disease.

COMMON HOUSE RAT

The common house rat is the smallest type of rat found in Texas. These rats are typically gray or brown, and they can grow to be up to 12 inches long. House rats are not good swimmers or climbers, so they typically enter homes and businesses through holes in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they will build their nests in dark, secluded areas like attics and crawl spaces.

House rats are not known for spreading disease, but they can still be a nuisance.

WOOD RAT

The wood rat, also known as the pack rat, is a type of rat found in Texas that is known for its nesting habits. These rats are typically gray or brown, and they can grow to be up to 16 inches long. Wood rats build their nests out of twigs, leaves, and other materials, and they can often be found near human dwellings. Like House rats, Woodrats are not known for spreading disease, but they can still cause a lot of expensive damage to your home and business.

Other rodents in Texas you should be aware of

Rodents and mice can be just as destructive to your home and business, if not more so than rats. They will gnaw on anything they find in the house which includes wood furniture or books; like rats, these animals can also carry diseases.

HOUSE MICE

The house mouse is the most common type of mouse found in Texas. These mice are typically gray or brown, and they can grow to be up to seven inches long. House mice are not good swimmers or climbers, so they typically enter homes and businesses through holes in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they will build their nests in dark, secluded areas like attics and crawl spaces.

While House mice will cause damage, they are not known for spreading disease.

DEER MICE

The deer mouse is a type of mouse found in Texas that is known for its large ears. These mice are typically brown or gray, and they can grow to be up to seven inches long. Deer mice are good swimmers and climbers, so they can access your property through holes in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they will build their nests in high places like attics and ceilings.

Deer mice are known for spreading disease, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.

VOLE

The vole is a type of rodent found in Texas that is similar in appearance to a mouse. These rodents are typically brown or gray, and they can grow to be up to seven inches long. Voles are good swimmers and climbers, so they can access your home through holes in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they will build their nests in high places like attics and ceilings. Voles are not known for spreading disease, but they can still be a nuisance. pest control companies can help you get rid of them by using baits and traps to catch the rats and prevent them from coming back.

Are rats dangerous?

It’s a fair question to ask, especially if you’ve seen one in your home or place of business. Rats are one of the most commonly reported nuisance animals in Texas. They are also one of the most feared, as they are known to carry several diseases that can be harmful to humans.

Living in Texas, it’s important to be aware of the diseases that rats can spread. Rats can carry a variety of diseases, including plague, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. They can cause a lot of damage to your home or business, and they are difficult to get rid of.

 INFORMATION ON DISEASES THAT RATS CARRY AND MAY PASS ON 

Rats are carriers of many diseases, some of which can be passed on to humans. The diseases aren’t only spread through rat bites but also from contact with their urine or feces.

Some of the diseases they carry are :

HANTA VIRUS

Hantavirus is a disease that can be passed on to humans through contact with rats. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headaches, and muscle aches. If you think you may have been exposed to Hantavirus, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

PLAGUE

Plague is another disease that can be passed on from rats to humans. Symptoms of plague include fever, chills, and weakness. Plague is a serious disease and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

SALMONELLA

Salmonella is a bacteria that can be found in rats. It can cause food poisoning in humans if ingested. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. If you think you may have eaten food contaminated with Salmonella, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

RAT-BITE FEVER

Rat-bite fever is a disease that can be passed on from rats to humans through bites or scratches. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headaches, and muscle aches. If you think you may have been exposed to rat-bite fever, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is a disease that can be passed on from rats to humans through contact with rat urine. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headaches, and muscle aches. If you think you may have been exposed to leptospirosis, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

TULAREMIA

Tularemia is a disease that can be passed on from rats to humans through contact with infected animals or their fur. Symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, and weakness. If you think you may have been exposed to tularemia, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

While these diseases sound scary, the chances of contracting them from rats are relatively low. However, it’s still important to take steps to get rid of rats in your home if you see them.

CAN RATS HURT MY PETS?

Rats can also be dangerous to your pets. If your pet comes into contact with a rat, it could contract a disease from them. It’s important to keep an eye on your pets and make sure they avoid contact with rats as much as possible. You will want to especially keep a close eye on your pet’s food. If you do see signs of rats in or around your pet’s food source, make sure to get rid of the food and clean the area thoroughly.

RATS CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR PROPERTY?

While contracting a disease from a rat is rare, damage caused by rats is not. Rats can do a lot of damage to your home or company. They can wreak havoc and cause significant financial loss. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of rats, as they can cause a lot of damage very quickly.

How rats can destroy your home and business.

Rats can damage your home in many ways. They can chew through walls, insulation, and wiring. This can cause fires or other electrical problems. They can also contaminate your food supply by urinating and defecating in it. Rats can also damage your business by chewing through equipment and inventory. If you think you may have rats in your home or business, it’s important to take action right away to get rid of them.

ACCESSING YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS

Rats can enter through cracks and holes in the foundation or walls of your home or business. While they may seem large, they can fit through tiny, seemingly impossible places. They can also enter through openings around doors and windows. You may also find that they are entering through vents, chimneys, or gaps in the roof.

accessing your home and bussiness

WALL DAMAGE

Rats will damage your walls and framing by chewing on the wood and drywall. This can create holes that allow cold air or moisture into your home or provide an opening for other pests to enter.

DAMAGE INSULATION

Rats will chew through your insulation and will also urinate and defecate on the insulation, which can lead to the growth of mold. In addition, the rats’ body oils will damage the insulation, making it difficult to remove.

DAMAGE WIRING

Rats love to chew on electrical wires. Unfortunately, this chewing can cause all sorts of problems. Short circuits are one possibility. But more seriously, fires can start if the chewing creates enough sparks.

DESTRUCTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

Rats are known to gnaw on all sorts of things, including clothing, books, and furniture. In fact, they’ll pretty much chew on anything they can get their teeth into!

NESTS IN APPLIANCES

Rats often build their nests in appliances such as stoves and dishwashers. This is because these appliances provide shelter and warmth, which are perfect conditions for raising a family of rats.

If you suspect you have rats in your home or business, it is important to take action immediately. Rats can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible.

How do you tell if you have a rat infestation?

Rats can be very destructive, so if you see any damage or traces of rat dropping in your home or business, it’s a good sign that you have a rat infestation. The following are signs you may have a rat problem in your home or business.

DROPPINGS

Rat droppings are usually left near food sources, such as cupboards, pantries, or areas where there is garbage. Rats will also leave their droppings in areas where they travel such as along baseboards or under appliances.

GNAWING

Rats like to gnaw on wood, electrical wiring, and pipes. If you see any damage like this, it’s a good sign that you have a rat problem.

NESTS

Rats will build nests out of materials like paper, insulation, and fabric. You may find these nests in attics, crawl spaces, or behind walls.

Tracks

Rats typically leave tracks in dust or dirt. These tracks are often seen along walls or other vertical surfaces. If you see these tracks, it’s a good indicator that a rat has been in the area.

Feeding Signs

Rats will leave behind food wrappers or containers. You may also see evidence of rats eating pet food or other food in your home.

SMELL

Rats have a musky smell that can be strong in areas where there are a lot of rats. If you notice this smell, it’s a good sign that you have a rat problem.

Sound

  Rats are active at night, so you may hear them scratching or scurrying in your walls or ceiling. If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a pest control professional to get rid of the rats. Ignoring a rat problem can lead to serious damage to your home or business. Rats can also carry diseases, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE A RAT PROBLEM 

You’ve determined that you do have rats, now what? Rats can cause all sorts of problems like destroying insulation in your walls, chewing through electrical wires, and of course, contaminating food. If you think you have rats the first step is to figure out how they are getting into your home or business. Take a look around the outside of your building and see if you can find any gaps or holes that rats could squeeze through.

REPAIR GAPS AND HOLES

On the outside of your building or home rats can squeeze through very small spaces, so it’s important to repair any gaps or holes that you find. Rats can also climb, so be sure to check for holes in the upper floors as well.

Remove access to food and water

Rats are attracted to areas where they can find food and water. Store food in airtight containers and keep garbage in sealed bags or bins. rats will also drink from toilets, sinks and other sources of water so be sure to fix any leaks that might be attracting them.

Removal of Shelter

Rats will build their nests in all sorts of places including your walls, insulation, storage boxes, and more. To get rid of rats you need to remove their shelter. rats are also attracted to cluttered areas so be sure to declutter your home or business as well.

Set traps

Rats can be difficult to catch but it is possible with the right traps. Trapping rats will also help you to figure out how many rats you are dealing with.

Bait the trap with peanut butter, cheese, or other foods that rats like. Be sure to check the trap regularly and dispose of any rats that have been caught.

Use baits and poisons

Baits and poisons are not always the best option as they can be dangerous to pets and children. If you do choose to use baits or poisons, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets. rats will also often die in their nests which can cause a foul smell.

Call the pros.

If you are still having trouble getting rid of rats, it may be time to call in the professionals. Pest control companies will have the experience and knowledge to get rid of rats quickly and safely. Rats can be a serious problem so it is important to take action as soon as possible.

 

Questions that People Most Frequently Ask Us

Take a look at some of the typical questions that pop up in the minds of our clients

What do rats like to eat?

Rats are omnivorous, meaning they will eat almost anything. They are especially fond of meat, grains, and fruits. Rats will also eat garbage, feces, and dead animals.

What kind of rats are in Texas?

The most popular rats in Texas are the Norway rat and the roof rat. The Norway rat is also known as the brown rat, house rat, or wharf rat. It is the larger of the two species, growing up to 18 inches long including the tail. Roof rats are also known as black rats or ship rats. They are smaller than Norway rats, growing up to 16 inches long including the tail. Both species are gray or brown in color with pointy noses, long tails, and furry ears.

What attracts rats?

There are several things that can attract rats to your home or business. These include: Food sources, water sources, clutter and warm areas.

Can rats damage my home or business?

Yes, rats can cause a lot of damage your home or business. They are known to gnaw on wires, which can cause fires. Rats also like to chew on wood and insulation, which can damage walls and ceilings.

Can I use rat traps to get rid of rats?

Rat traps can be an effective way to get rid of rats. However, it’s important to use the right type of trap and to place it in the right location. If you’re not sure how to set up a rat trap, it’s best to contact a pest control professional.

Where do rats like to hide?

Rats like to hide in dark, secluded areas. This could be under a sink, in a crawl space, or in the attic. rats are also known to nest in small spaces, like the gap under a door. If you think you have rats in your home or business, it’s important to contact a pest control professional.

Will rats attack me or my pets?

Rats are typically shy and timid around humans. However, they may become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. If a rat feels like it is in danger, it may bite or scratch.

Can you have just one rat in your home?

It is possible to have just one rat in your home. However, it is more likely that you have an infestation if you see one rat. This is because rats are social creatures and typically travel in pairs or small groups. If you see one rat, there’s a good chance there are more hiding nearby.

How can you tell if the rats have gone

If you have not seen any rats for a few weeks, it is likely that they have gone. You can also set up traps to catch any remaining rats. Once you are sure the rats are gone, you can seal up any openings to prevent them from returning.

Do rats spread diseases?

It is not common to get a disease from a rat. The most common disease associated with rats is the bubonic plague. However, this disease is rare in the United States. If you do come into contact with a sick or dead rat, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

How do rats enter a home or business?

Rats can enter a home or business through small openings, cracks, and holes. They can also squeeze through very small spaces, like the gap under a door.