Why Do I Have Rats In My Tallahassee Home?

Do you suspect you have rats in your home? Rats in Florida come in all shapes and sizes, but two of the most common types of rats in Tallahassee are the Norway rat and the roof rat. No matter what kind of rodent you suspect, it’s time to take some action to protect your home.

What types of rats are common in Tallahassee?

Norway rats are large rodents, measuring 7-9.5 inches long with grown and black fur. Inside, the Norway rat commonly nests on the lower levels such as basements, but if the population is too large, they may be found in the attic and ceiling areas. Their nests are built from soft material like paper or grass chewed into small pieces they gather from surrounding areas. Did you know that Norway rats are excellent swimmers? According to Columbia University, migrating rats can swim up to half a mile and survive by treading water for 3 days. Their diet consists of fish, nuts, cereal grains, and meats.

Roof rats are the smaller of the two, measuring 6-8 inches long. They are brown and black with a long tail, large ears, and large eyes. Have you ever heard of ship rats or black rats? These are just nicknames for pesky roof rats. Roof rats get their name because they are especially good climbers, often found in spaces up high such as attics and drop ceilings, and cabinets. Their diet consists of a wide variety of foods including berries, nuts, slugs, and citrus.

Rats travel far and wide searching for food and water, so it’s helpful to be vigilant for the signs of a rat infestation. You’ll typically find them more active at night, and searching for them during the dusk or early morning hours could help confirm your suspicions.

Are rats dangerous?

Rats bring all sorts of consequences with them when they decide to make your home their home. They can carry a number of diseases and often introduce other parasites and pests along with them. You could see an increase in ticks and fleas traveling on rat fur as well as microscopic parasites.

Rats are after your food stores as well, making it difficult to keep foods free of contamination. They chew through insulation, soft piping, and even though certain types of wood, which can cause irreversible damage.

They can even damage plumbing and electrical wiring, making it more likely that your home sustains water damage or becomes susceptible to power outages. These issues make it critical that you address rat issues right away.

How can I tell if I have rats in my home?

One rat quickly becomes an infestation as a single female can produce up to 40 offspring in a year. Signs of a rat infestation could include:

Physically seeing a rat at night
Large rat droppings around doorways, in cabinets, and in your attic
Scratching or scurrying sounds
Gnaw marks or evidence of scratching on common rat favorites (food, softwood, etc.)
Household pets acting strangely (listening to sounds at walls, barking/meowing, or scratching)
Trash cans toppled over

If you suspect that you have a rat infestation in your home, call Capelouto right away.

What attracts rats to my home?

Rats are attracted to food that is stored in penetrable containers, trash cans without lids or unsecured lids, and areas around your home that aren’t properly sealed. Other potential attractors could be:

Brush piles and overgrown growth too close to the house
Leaks in or around the house
Fruit and vegetables left to decompose outside (from fruit trees, for example)
Animal droppings that aren’t cleared from your property
Neighbors with rat issues or fallow lots close by

Keeping rats out of your home includes securing food sources well, including pet food and leftover pet foods, and inspecting your property for the things rats need to survive. Fix leaks, handle brush, and talk to your local community about handling vacant lots. If you see rats wandering around during the day, you have a heavy rat infestation on your hands. They are nocturnal, and only surface during the day if there is a serious population problem.

How can Capelouto Termite and Pest Control get rid of the rats in my home?

Capelouto is here to offer the city of Tallahassee and surrounding areas fast, efficient solutions to any infestation, including rats. Our trained technicians can diagnose a problem, help you find solutions, and implement actions needed to handle the problem and ensure rats don’t return.

Contact us to learn more about our rodent control and exclusion services. Call us or fill out the contact form on this page to get started!