Rats are one of the most destructive
pests known to man. Not only do they
carry disease and contaminate food, they
can also inflict serious bites to humans.
Like their smaller cousin the mouse,
rats are most active under the cover
of darkness.
Holes chewed in food boxes and bags,
along with nearby trails of droppings,
are evidence of the presence of rats.
Sealing the gaps and cracks that
they use for access, and keeping
food and refuse in tightly sealed
containers, will help prevent infestations.
Our internationally recognised K-9
detection team will inspect your
home or business for rats and other
pests. Call 1-905-761-9388 to schedule
an appointment or submit an Inspection
Request Form today!
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How
do I recognize a rat? |
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The Norway rat – also known as the brown, house,
barn, sewer or wharf rat, is dull brown in colour and
measures between 32 cm and 43 cm (12-1/2" to 17")
from nose to tail. It has small, close-set ears, a
blunt muzzle, and very sharp teeth. The Norway rat
is common throughout North America, with the exception
of Alberta, Canada (where large-scale treatment programs
have kept the Norway rat under control). Another common
species of rat is the smaller, grey-coloured roof rat,
which is found principally in coastal areas. |
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Are
rats hazardous to humans? |
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Yes.
Rats are a serious hazard to
public health. Aside from contaminating
food with their droppings and
urine, fleas from rats were
responsible for spreading the
bubonic plague. Diseases as
salmonella bacteria (food poisoning),
leptospira (jaundice), and
typhus are commonly being spread
by rats. Because of their unsanitary
habits, secondary infections
from rat bites can be serious
and sometimes fatal. An infestation
of rats must not be tolerated.
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When
are rats most common? |
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Rats
are year-round pests. Under
certain conditions, rats can
survive outdoors during the
winter, however activity and
indoor migration increases
as weather gets cooler and
outdoor food and water sources
decrease. Rats are most active
during the evening and remain
so until the middle of the
night. If food and water are
scarce, or in the case of large
infestations, rats become active
during daylight hours. |
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Where
do rats build nests? |
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Rats
nest in any safe location near
food and water. Outdoors, rats
burrow into the ground. Indoors,
nesting occurs in double walls,
between ceilings and floors,
in closed-in areas around counters,
and anywhere rubbish is allowed
to accumulate. |
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What
are their breeding habits?
Do rats multiply quickly? |
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The
average life span of a rat
is 18 months. Young are born
about 22 days after mating
and mature rapidly. Single
females may have as many as
6 litters per year, averaging
6 to 14 young each. By 3 months
of age, the young are independent
and capable of reproduction.
If not controlled, an infestation
of rats will rapidly increase
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How
can I tell if I have an infestation
of rats and how do I get rid
of them? |
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Rat
droppings near available food
sources are the most common
indication of an infestation.
Evidence of gnawing, rub marks,
tracks, burrows, nests, and
damage to stored products are
indications of the extent of
an infestation.
Rats will invade almost any
home or business, however it
is the presence of unsanitary
conditions that encourages
their activity. All goods must
be stored in properly sealed
jars or tins and waste should
be prevented from accumulating,
or kept in containers with
tight-fitting lids. Seal all
openings to the outside, including
wood around doors and windows;
repair masonry and seal openings
for utility lines, conduits,
and drains.
Depending on the severity
of the infestation, a single
control measure may not be
effective and an integrated
program, conducted by a Purity
Pest Control professional,
may be required. |
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