Rats

What are rats?

The two most common types of rats in Georgia are the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are the larger of the two, including their tail which is shorter than their body. These rats are 10-12 inches in length with a brown/gray color. Norway rats are mainly found urban areas and live on the bottom floors of buildings and in basements.

Roof rats are slightly smaller and their tails are longer than their bodies. These types of rats are black in color with a lighter underbelly. They prefer moist, warm climates and like to hide in elevated spaces such as attics.

Are rats dangerous?

Rats in Georgia are dangerous to humans and cause a lot of damage to structures. They carry diseases such as murine typhus, leptospirosis and salmonellosis (food poisoning). If left unaddressed, rats will cause costly damage by chewing through insulation, electrical wires, plumbing pipes and dry wall as well as structural supports. Rats will burrow tunnels underground that can cause problems with the foundation of your structure.

Why do I have a rat problem?

Rats, like a lot of rodents, need to live in areas with humans in order to survive. They are commensal, which means that they depend partially on humans for their needs. Rats are excellent climbers and will fit into tight spaces in the search for food, shelter and water, especially in the fall and winter months. Rats will also burrow along foundations, gardens and under shrubbery and woodpiles. If your home or business is experiencing a rat problem, it could be your structure was easily accessible and because of the availability of food, water and shelter sources.

How do I get rid of rats?

At Monitor Pest Control we offer our pest control for rats as well as over 47 different pests. To learn more about our home pest control services, or to find out how we can help you combat rats in your commercial establishment, please contact us today.

Can I do it myself?

Rats are shy, quick-moving and nocturnal which can make it difficult to find and eliminate them from your home or business. It is also hard to find all of their nests and hiding spots that they may have in basement areas, attics and behind walls; if all the nesting areas are not eliminated, a re-infestation will likely occur. Also, because of the large amounts of structural damage and disease that they can spread, it is best to call a professional Atlanta exterminator to get rid of rats in or around your structure
as quickly as possible.

Why choose Monitor Pest Control?

With over 25 years of experience, we know the time, effort and commitment it takes to solve your rat problem. With Monitor Pest Control, you’ll receive trained professionals, serious commitment and thorough treatments.

How can I prevent a rat problem in the future?

There are many things that you can do as a property owner/manager to help prevent rats from entering your property. Seal cracks and crevices in foundations and roof areas, along with sealing holes around pipes and electrical wires leading into your property. Also, make sure any animal food is in sealed containers, repair any leaks that could be used as a water source, trim back tree branches and shrubbery from your home and
keep garbage containers away from the house.