Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
It’s important to catch any sort of rodent infestation as early on as possible. Home and business owners in the Seattle and Greater Puget Sound Area know this well, as our region is particularly prone to rats and mice. Regardless of the time of year, you should be on the lookout for signs of rats and get ahead of controlling those rats. The situation can escalate quickly, and it’s best to not be caught unaware.
Seattle Rat Control: Types of Rats in the Area
What some don’t realize is that different types of rats present differently and can have different traces or tells of their presence. For those in the lovely greater Seattle region, the two main kinds to look out for are Norway rats and roof rats.
Norway rats, otherwise known as sewer rats, are quite large (up to 16 inches tip to tail) and typically a reddish-brown or grey-brown in color. They have shorter tails for a rat and blunted snouts. You’ll find them most active at dusk or during the night, and their burrows are usually underground in a space large enough to nest, breed, and store food. These rats particularly thrive around humans, as garbage dumps, sewers, and fields are viable burrow real estate for them. If they’re in your home, it will most likely be on a lower floor.
Roof rats, on the other hand, prefer above-ground nesting spots and can be found in vegetation, walls, cabinets, and attics. As these living conditions suggest, these rats are skilled climbers. They use their longer tail to enhance this skill. They’re commonly black with a gray or white underbelly and a pointed snout. These rodents are slightly smaller than Norway rats as well.
Both species are omnivorous, but can rely on outdoor vegetation or trash to sustain their diet. Rats frequently damage or contaminate human pantry items through waste & filth as opposed to consumption. Given these habits, it’s important to look out for damage or waste, such as gnaw marks or droppings, in any of the nesting places mentioned earlier in order to identify an infestation before it gets out of hand.
Cascade Rat Control Services
Cascade Pest Control is dedicated to providing reliable, comprehensive, and effective pest, rodent, and rat control. Our technicians are responsive and work within your schedule to create a customized treatment plan to meet your needs.
Our services are centered around abatement and prevention, so not only will we inspect your property for signs of rats, we will eliminate possible points of entry, repair existing rodent-related damage, clean up any rodent filth, and provide regular services to ensure everything is staying up to code.
In need of reliable pest and rat control services? Call 888-989-8979 to get started with Cascade Pest Control today!