Rats Removal & Prevention in Durham Region

If you suspect that you have a rat infestation in your home or business, it is important to hire a professional like ZOLO Pest Control Inc. to remove the rats. Rat infestations can pose significant health risks and can cause damage to your property.

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What are common rats in Canada?

There are several species of rats that are commonly found in Canada, including the Norway rat (also known as the brown rat or common rat) and the roof rat (also known as the black rat).

The Norway rat is a large, burrowing rodent that is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America in the late 18th century and is now found throughout the continent, including in Canada. Norway rats are typically brown or gray in color, with shaggy fur and a long, thick tail. They are known for their strong burrowing habits and their ability to climb, which allows them to inhabit a variety of habitats, including fields, forests, and urban areas.

The roof rat is a smaller, more agile rat that is native to Africa and was introduced to North America in the early 19th century. It is now found throughout much of the continent, including in Canada. Roof rats are typically black or dark brown in color, with smooth fur and a long, thin tail. They are known for their ability to climb and are often found in trees, attics, and other high places.

Both Norway rats and roof rats are considered pests because they can cause damage to structures and property, and they can also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. If you suspect that you have a rat infestation in your home or business, it is important to take steps to control and eliminate the problem as soon as possible. This can include sealing up entry points, using traps or bait, and eliminating potential food sources.

How quickly do rat breed?

Rats can breed very quickly, with females being able to reach sexual maturity at just 5 weeks old and able to have multiple litters per year. They can have litters of 6-12 young, and those young can reach sexual maturity in just a few months, leading to rapid population growth. It is important to be responsible with rat breeding and to have a plan for their offspring to ensure they do not contribute to overpopulation.

How long do rats live?

Rats typically live for about 2-3 years. However, some rats can live for up to 4 years if they are well cared for and live in a healthy environment.

Why rats are a danger to your home or business

There are several reasons why rats are a danger to your home or business:

Disease transmission: Rats can carry and transmit a variety of diseases, including salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. These diseases can be transmitted through their urine, feces, and bites.
Structural damage: Rats have strong gnawing teeth that they use to chew through wood, plastic, and even metal. This can lead to structural damage to your home or business, including holes in walls and ceilings and damaged electrical wiring.
Contamination: Rats can contaminate food and water sources with their feces and urine, which can lead to food poisoning and other health issues.
Property damage: Rats can damage your property by chewing through walls, floors, and other materials. They can also chew through pipes and other plumbing, leading to water damage and costly repairs.
Fire hazard: Rats have been known to cause fires by chewing through electrical wiring, which can lead to short circuits and potentially deadly fires.

Overall, rats pose a serious risk to the health and safety of your home or business. It is important to take steps to prevent and control rat infestations to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Where do rats hide?

Rats can hide in a variety of places, including:

In burrows or tunnels in the ground
In walls, ceilings, and attics
In bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation
In sheds, garages, and other outbuildings
In cluttered or cluttered areas, such as under piles of debris or clutter
Inside appliances, such as refrigerators or ovens
In crawl spaces or basements
Behind or under large appliances or furniture
In crawl spaces or basements

When do rats come out?

Rats are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. They typically come out to forage for food and water, mate, and socialize with other rats during the hours of dusk to dawn. However, they may also be active during the daytime if they feel safe and have access to sufficient resources.

Is rat poop toxic to humans?

Rat poop can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans, leading to infections and illnesses. It is important to properly clean up and disinfect any areas where rat poop is found to prevent potential health risks. It is also recommended to wear protective gloves and a mask when handling rat poop.

How can you tell the number of rats you have?

There are several ways to tell the number of rats you have:

Counting the number of rats you see: This is the most obvious way to tell the number of rats you have. However, this may not be accurate as rats are nocturnal and may not be visible during the day.
Setting up traps: You can set up traps in different parts of your home or yard and see how many rats are caught. This will give you an idea of the number of rats you have.
Checking for signs of rat activity: Look for rat droppings, gnaw marks, and tracks. The more signs of rat activity you see, the more rats you likely have.
Checking for nesting sites: Rats often nest in burrows, attics, and basements. If you find evidence of a rat nest, it is likely that you have more than one rat.
Contacting a professional: If you are unsure of the number of rats you have, you can contact a professional pest control company for assistance. They can assess the situation and provide you with a more accurate estimate of the number of rats you have.

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What are rats mostly attracted to?

Rats are mostly attracted to food, water, and shelter. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of foods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, and garbage. They also need access to water sources, such as leaks, puddles, or other sources of standing water. Rats will also seek out shelter in areas that provide protection from the elements and predators, such as in burrows, attics, basements, or dense vegetation.

Is having rats a common problem?

Rats can be a common problem in urban areas, especially in buildings with poor sanitation and maintenance. They can also be a problem in rural areas, particularly in areas with a lot of agricultural activity. However, proper pest management practices can help prevent rat infestations.

What diseases can rats carry?

Rats can carry a variety of diseases, including:

Plague: This is a serious bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bites of infected fleas found on rats. Plague can cause fever, chills, weakness, and respiratory problems.
Rat bite fever: This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through rat bites or scratches. Symptoms include fever, rash, and muscle pain.
Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the urine of infected rats. It can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, and jaundice.
Salmonella: This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the feces of infected rats. It can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Hantavirus: This is a viral infection that can be transmitted through the saliva, urine, or feces of infected rats. It can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and respiratory problems.
Tularemia: This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bites of infected ticks or fleas found on rats. It can cause fever, chills, weakness, and skin ulcers.

Can humans get sick from rats?

Yes, as mentioned above, humans can get sick from rats through various ways. It is important to practice proper hygiene and keep your living and working spaces clean to prevent transmission of diseases from rats. If you suspect you have been exposed to rats or have been bitten by a rat, seek medical attention immediately.

What months rats active?

Rats are active year-round, but they may be more active during the fall and winter months when they are seeking shelter and food for survival. They may also be more active during the breeding season, which can vary depending on the location and species of rat. In general, rats are most active at dawn and dusk.

Why do I have rats in my home?

There are several reasons why you might have rats in your home:

Access to food and water: Rats are scavengers and will seek out sources of food and water wherever they can find them. If you have unsecured trash cans, pet food bowls, or other sources of food or water available, rats may be attracted to your home.
Lack of proper sealing and insulation: Rats can squeeze through small openings and gaps in your home's exterior, so if your home is not properly sealed and insulated, rats may be able to get inside.
Easy access to nesting areas: Rats need somewhere to nest and will look for warm, dry, and hidden places to build their nests. If your home has crawl spaces, attics, or basements that are not properly sealed or have clutter, rats may be able to find a place to nest.
A rodent population in the area: If there are already a lot of rats in your neighborhood or community, they may be more likely to venture into your home in search of food and shelter.

Why do I hear scratching in my walls at night?

There are several potential reasons why you might be hearing scratching noises in your walls at night:

Rodents: Rats, mice, and other small rodents can often find their way into walls and cause scratching noises as they move around. If you suspect this is the case, you may want to set up some traps or contact a pest control service.
Insects: Some insects, such as beetles or cockroaches, can also make scratching noises as they move around inside walls. Again, a pest control service can help with this issue.
Plumbing issues: If the scratching noises are coming from behind a wall that contains plumbing, it could be a sign of a plumbing issue such as a leak. In this case, you should contact a plumber to have the issue repaired.
HVAC system: The heating and cooling system in your home could also be causing the scratching noises if it is located within the walls. If you suspect this is the case, you should contact an HVAC technician to have the issue addressed.
Structural issues: In rare cases, scratching noises in the walls could be a sign of structural issues such as settling or shifting foundations. If you suspect this is the case, you should contact a structural engineer to assess the situation.

How do you know if it's a mouse or a rat?

There are several ways to differentiate between a mouse and a rat:

Size: Mice are generally smaller in size than rats. A mouse can grow to be about 5 inches long, while a rat can grow to be about 8 inches long.
Tail: A mouse has a longer, thinner tail in comparison to a rat's shorter, thicker tail.
Ears: Mice have larger ears relative to their body size, while rats have smaller ears.
Shape: Mice have a slimmer, more streamlined body shape, while rats have a bulkier, more muscular body shape.
Behavior: Mice tend to be more timid and cautious, while rats are more bold and aggressive.
Habitat: Mice are more commonly found in residential areas and homes, while rats are more commonly found in urban environments.

Why are you not seeing rats even though they are there?

There could be a variety of reasons why someone is not seeing rats. Some possible explanations could include:

The rats are hiding or avoiding detection: Rats are naturally timid animals and may try to avoid humans as much as possible. They may be hiding in hard-to-reach areas, such as in walls or under floors, or they may be active at night when humans are not around.
The rats are no longer present: It is possible that the rats were present in the past but have since left the area. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as a change in the availability of food or shelter, or the presence of predators.
The rats are not causing any problems: If the rats are not causing any issues, such as by damaging property or spreading disease, the person may not be aware of their presence.
The person is not paying attention: It is also possible that the person is simply not noticing the rats due to a lack of focus or awareness.

Where do rats enter into a house?

Rats can enter a house through small openings or holes in the foundation, walls, or roof. They can also enter through gaps around doors and windows, vents, and pipes. They are often attracted to sources of food, water, and shelter, so they may enter through areas where these resources are available. Additionally, rats are good climbers and can enter through trees or other structures that are close to the house. It is important to identify and seal any potential entry points to prevent rats from entering your home.

How can I prevent rats from coming back?

There are several steps you can take to prevent rats from returning:

Seal any holes or gaps in the walls, floors, and foundation of your home. Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter, so be thorough when sealing up potential entry points.
Keep your home clean and free of clutter. Rats are attracted to clutter because it provides them with places to hide and nest.
Store food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly. Rats are attracted to food sources, so keeping your home clean and free of food scraps will help prevent them from returning.
Remove any sources of standing water, such as leaky pipes or clogged gutters. Rats need access to water to survive, so eliminating sources of standing water will make your home less attractive to them.
Consider using rodent-proof trash cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent rats from accessing garbage.
Use rodent-proof materials such as steel wool or copper mesh to seal up any holes or gaps in your home.
If you have any outdoor trash bins, make sure they have tight-fitting lids and are kept at least 20 feet away from your home.
Consider hiring a professional exterminator to identify any potential entry points and to treat your home with rat repellents or bait stations.

Where should you place rat traps?

Rat traps should be placed in areas where rats are known to travel or where evidence of their activity has been found. Some common areas to place rat traps include:

Along walls, as rats tend to follow the edges of walls and other structures when they travel.
In corners or other areas where rats may be hiding or nesting.
Near burrows, holes, or other entry points into your home or yard.
Near sources of food, such as in the kitchen or pantry, near trash cans, or near outdoor bird feeders.
In areas where you have seen rat droppings, as this indicates that rats are present in the area.

It is important to check and dispose of any trapped rats regularly to prevent odors and disease. It is also important to follow all safety and handling instructions when using rat traps.

Rat prevention tips

Here are some additional rat prevention tips:

Trim trees and bushes regularly to reduce the likelihood of rats using them as a means of access to your home.
Keep bird feeders and pet food dishes away from your home to reduce the chances of attracting rats.
Use rodent-resistant compost bins and keep compost piles far away from your home.
If you have a garden, make sure to store vegetables and fruits in a secure location, away from rats.
Keep your home and yard free of debris and clutter, as rats love to nest in these areas.
Repair any plumbing leaks or cracks in your foundation, as rats are attracted to sources of water.
If you have a rat problem, consider hiring a professional exterminator to identify the source of the infestation and recommend a treatment plan.
If you have rats living in your attic or crawl space, consider installing rat-proofing screens or barriers to prevent them from entering your home.
Keep your home well-ventilated to discourage rats from nesting inside.
Consider using rat traps or bait stations to capture and remove rats from your home or yard. However, be sure to follow all safety and handling instructions when using these products.

Find rat exterminator near you

Hiring a professional pest control company from the beginning will save you so much time and stress, rather than going through trial and error by doing it yourself. ZOLO Pest Control Technicians are trained, skilled, experienced professionals. We understand the habits of each species and use that knowledge to get rid of Rats in your home or business effectively. Our service is fast, effective and offers the highest level of safety for your family, staff and customers. Leave the hard work to the professionals with the know-how to quickly eliminate your pest problem once and for all. Save yourself time, energy, and frustration by hiring our reputable pest control company. Our trained and licensed pest technicians will be able to solve your problem quickly and effectively because they are knowledgeable about pests and effective treatments. After all, it is what they do every day. Stop throwing away your time and hard-earned money only to have to call a professional anyway. Get professional help and get it done right the first time.

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