Brown rat, common rat, Norway rat, sewer rat, Rattus norvegicus
Norway rats, while nocturnal and shy, are the largest commensal rodent found in Ontario. The head and body are 7 to 10 inches long, the tail is an additional 8 inches, and their fecal droppings are up to 3/4 of an inch each. Their adult lifespan is about a year, becoming sexually mature in the first 2 to 5 months, and the females can produce 3 to 6 litters per year.
To many people, rodents are just pesky creatures, but they also have the ability to transmit diseases that can cause death and permanent damage to humans. If you suspect that you may have rodents in your home, here are some classic signs that point to a rodent infestation that may prompt you to seek expert help in getting rid of them.
First of all, rodents are really good at hiding and often enough, you won’t realize that they’re already nesting in your home, simply because you don’t see them. However, just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there – Because while you may not see them running around, they could actually leave telltale signs that signify their presence.
One common and probably most obvious signs of a rodent infestation is the discovery of rodent droppings under the sink and inside the cupboards or drawers. If you see little brown things on the floor, cupboard, or under the sink that looks like mini chocolate chips, don’t touch them with your bare hands!
Other telltale signs of an infestation include stale smells that usually come from hidden areas such as the back of a cabinet or the sofa. You may also find chewing patterns on food packages.
As professional technicians, we are licensed to use different formulations that are very effective for the long term control of rodents. We can use anticoagulants, which are blood thinners added to a very palatable meal bait, which reduces their clotting ability, thus eliminating any post-treatment odor problems as well.
