Do you have a rat problem in your home? The first thing you’ll likely want to know is how to control these annoying pests. However, it’s important to recognize that rats are smart creatures with savvy survivalist instincts.
Rats use their intellect to adapt to their surroundings, communicate with each other, avoid threats, solve problems and more. Homeowners need to understand that rats are smart and that controlling a rat population is not simple. It’s best to leave the job to a professional pest control service.
Are Rats Smart?
Did you know that rats are considered very smart animals? Their intellect is part of why controlling rats can be challenging. The rodents are excellent at using their wits to stay out of sight and avoid traps.
Rats also use their intelligence to adapt and find ways to survive in rough and changing circumstances. They have great survival instincts and practice extreme caution in unfamiliar and potentially dangerous situations.
For example, rats are often suspicious of food placed in traps or used as bait to catch them. Instead of eating the bait, they will nibble on a small piece to test it for safety or avoid it altogether.
Rats are also known for their excellent problem-solving skills. They can learn how to find their way through complex mazes, press levers to receive food and perform other impressive tricks. In the wild, these skills help them access food sources that are hard to reach.
For example, rats in your home may chew through your walls or squeeze themselves into tiny spaces to reach their food source.
These pests also have strong memories, which help them learn and remember the layout of your home. Many people wonder if rats can see in the dark. They can’t see in the dark very well, but they will not only remember their pathway to food but also the dangerous parts of your home that they should avoid so that they are not caught.
Next, rats also use their intelligence for social learning. They live in colonies and communicate with each other to stay safe. If one rat finds a trap, it will alert other rats in the colony about it so that they can avoid it.
Finally, rats are highly adaptable creatures. They can thrive in a variety of environments, including urban and rural areas. They are also adaptable to many food sources and shelter options.
Why You Don’t Want Rats in Your Home
The intellect of rats is impressive; however, it’s important to remember that they are still pests and unwanted guests in your home. As mentioned above, rats are not timid about chewing through items that get in their way. They can cause significant damage to electrical wiring, walls, insulation and plumbing.
Rats are also carriers of various diseases, which they can spread to humans and your household pets.
You can look out for a few signs to know whether or not you have a rat problem. First, spotting their droppings around your home is a clear sign of rats. They are most likely to appear in your cabinets, drawers, under sinks and near food containers.
Next, you may see gnaw marks on wires, walls and food containers. You may also hear rats moving around at night. Scratching noises inside your walls or attic is another clear sign of a rat infestation.
Lastly, you may spot the rat nests, which are made of shredded materials like paper, insulation and fabric. You may also spot their nesting materials scattered throughout your home.
If you suspect you have a rat problem in your home, contact a professional pest control service. Rats are intelligent rodents with strong survivalist instincts, so it’s important to bring in professional help to control them.
Will a Rat Run if it Sees You?
Rats will do whatever it takes to avoid contact with humans. They are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night when humans are asleep. Rats can remain undetected during the day by staying in their shelter and out of sight of humans or other threats.
However, if rats have a human run-in, they will respond in one of two ways: flee or freeze. Rats view humans as a serious threat to their well-being, so their first instinct is to run away when they encounter one.
They are excellent runners and can quickly scurry away to a hiding spot where they are unreachable. Rats can fit into tiny spaces and get out of harm’s way before you can do anything.
Sometimes rats have the instinct to freeze before they flee. This is so they can assess the threat level of the situation before making a decision. If they sense immediate danger, they will decide to run away.
It’s rare for a rat to become aggressive when encountering a human, but it is possible. For example, if there is nowhere for the rat to escape quickly, they may defend themselves by biting.
Becoming aggressive is a last resort for rats as they would much rather run away and avoid humans altogether. However, it’s important to remember that rats can carry diseases and transmit them to humans and other animals.
If you encounter a rat in your home, do not try to corner them. It’s better to let them run away and contact a pest control specialist to deal with them than risk being bitten. Contact an expert if you suspect that rats are in your home.
Remember that rats are nocturnal and excellent hiders, so you should not wait for an encounter with a rat to take action. Instead, look for the signs of their presence.
How Many Babies Do Rats Have?
Rats can reproduce quickly, which is one reason a rat infestation in your home is frustrating. You may start with only a few rats in your home, but before long, it can feel like your home is being overrun by these rodents.
The number of babies rats have per litter varies depending on the species. However, they typically have between 5 and 15 babies, or pups, in a litter. For example, Norway rats, also known as brown rats, have large litters with between 6 and 15 pups.
On the other hand, roof rats, also known as black rats, have between 5 and 10 pups per litter. While it’s rare, some rats can even have up to 20 pups per litter.
It’s helpful for homeowners to learn about the rat reproduction cycle to understand how rats reproduce so rapidly. The first thing to know is that rats reach sexual maturity between two to five months of age.
Once they are mature, female rats can mate several times a year. They go into heat every four to five days. Next, the gestation period for rats only lasts 21 to 23 days, contributing to the fast turnaround.
On average, female rats have between 6 and 12 litters per year. Factors such as species and environmental conditions play a part, but rats are extremely prolific breeders. Considering the quick timeframe in which rats reach sexual maturity and begin giving birth, it makes sense that a small rat problem can quickly become a large infestation.
Due to their rapid reproduction schedule, it’s important not to ignore any signs of rats in your home. Do not wait until you see a rat to contact a pest control professional. It’s better to be proactive and control a rat problem before it has a chance to get out of hand. It’s also helpful to know what rats like to eat so you can deter them.
Get Rats Under Control With Professional Pest Control
Rats are much smarter than they get credit for, and they use their intellect to survive under various conditions. They are also extremely cautious creatures and know how to avoid danger.
Because of their wits, it’s difficult for homeowners to control a rat population in their home. Instead, homeowners should get in touch with a pest control specialist. An expert has the right tools and years of experience to control the problem.
ABC Can Help With Any Pest Problems
It can feel frustrating when rats infest your property. Instead of spending your time trying to get rid of rats on your own, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our experts will be able to control the rodents on your property. We will create a custom pest treatment plan, so you don’t have to worry about these creatures. They can also help you understand if bird feeders attract rats.
