Types of Rats in Houston
Houston, Texas is home to a number of different species of rats, but the two most commonly found are the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Roof rat (Rattus rattus).
Norway Rats in Houston
The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat or sewer rat, is the larger of the two species. Adult Norway rats typically measure around 16 inches from nose to tail, and can weigh up to one pound. They are typically brown or gray in color, with a stocky build and small eyes and ears. They are excellent burrowers and usually build their nests in underground burrows or in the lower levels of buildings, often near a food source. They are also known to inhabit drainage systems, sewers, and other areas close to water.
Roof Rats in Houston
The Roof rat, also known as the black rat or ship rat, is smaller than the Norway rat, measuring around 12 inches from nose to tail, and typically weighing less than half a pound. They have a slim build, with a pointed nose, large ears and long tail. They are typically dark brown or black in color, and are excellent climbers. As their name implies, they are often found in attics, trees and upper levels of buildings. They often come into contact with human populations by climbing structures, utility poles and trees.
Both Norway and Roof rats are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They will eat almost anything they can find, but have a preference for high-protein foods such as meats, fish, and seeds. They can also cause damage to buildings by gnawing on electrical wires and woodwork, and their droppings and urine can contaminate food sources and create unpleasant odors.
In Houston, both species of rats can be found in urban and suburban areas and can be an important problem in residential, industrial and commercial areas. They can enter buildings through small holes, cracks, or gaps in foundations and walls, and through gaps around doors and windows. They can also enter through sewer and drain pipes, and through vents. In addition to the damage they can cause to buildings, both species of rats can also carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans.
Overall, a rat infestation in Houston should be taken seriously and dealt with as soon as possible by a professional pest control company, to avoid damage to the property and protect the health of the residents.
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What do Rats Eat?
Both Norway and Roof rats are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They will eat almost anything they can find, but have a preference for high-protein foods such as meats, fish, and seeds. They can also cause damage to buildings by gnawing on electrical wires and woodwork, and their droppings and urine can contaminate food sources and create unpleasant odors.
How do Rats get into Buildings in Houston?
In Houston, both species of rats can be found in urban and suburban areas and can be an important problem in residential, industrial and commercial areas. They can enter buildings through small holes, cracks, or gaps in foundations and walls, and through gaps around doors and windows. They can also enter through sewer and drain pipes, and through vents. In addition to the damage they can cause to buildings, both species of rats can also carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans.
How should I deal with Rats in Houston?
Overall, a rat infestation in Houston should be taken seriously and dealt with as soon as possible by a professional pest control company, to avoid damage to the property and protect the health of the residents. We are happy to help you design an effective rat control program and to provide exclusion advice and services to help keep rats out.
