Rats In North Carolina
Scratching noises and small brown droppings are tell-tale signs of a rat problem. This problem can range from a single rat to a full blown infestation. Our team at CTRL Pest Solutions wants to help you understand how to identify a rat infestation.
First off let’s learn a little more about the rats that can be found in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rats are a type of mammal that can be identified by their large front teeth, hairless tail and ears, and pointed noses. These teeth, incisors, continuously grow. Because of this, rats need to constantly chew on whatever they can. Like most other pests rats are drawn to environments that will support life; environments with food, shelter, and water. The two most common types of rats found in and around homes and businesses in North Carolina are the roof rat and the Norway rat.
Roof Rat
The roof rat is a relatively small rodent and is also known as a black rat. This species gets its name from its tendency to find shelter in upper areas of buildings such as the roof. Roof rats gnaw on materials inside homes and businesses and can contaminate food stores. Their fur is brown with patches of black and their bodies are long and slender. Roof rats will have large eyes and ears.
Norway Rat
The Norway rat, also known as the sewer rat, is significantly larger than the other two types of rats found in Charlotte. They have poor vision and are not very agile, however they are able to run, jump, and swim allowing them to find their way to many spaces. Norway rats have brown fur with their underside being lighter. Their tails are shorter than the length of their bodies and their ears and eyes are small in size.
Rats can pose a danger as they are capable of causing copious amounts of structural damage as well as carry diseases. The shedding of their fur as well as their saliva is known for causing allergic reactions and even triggering asthma attacks.
There are many signs your home may have a rat problem or infestation. Hearing scratching noises inside your walls or down by your floorboards may have you questioning whether or not your home has a rat problem, and you’re probably right. Noises paired with rat droppings are a clear indicator rats are present, however there are other signs as well. Certain species of rat are known for burying and digging excessively, making tunnel systems places for food storage.
When you find holes throughout your home it may be just that. Finding rat nests are another clear sign rats have a place in your home. These pests will find materials easily available to them in order to make a soft place to nest. Along with holes and nests, rats sometimes leave behind things other than just their droppings. They can leave rub marks along surfaces from their bodies if covered in dirt and grease. Finally rats may leave behind tiny footprints and tail marks in dusty areas of your home. Any of these signs could mean a rat infestation, but it doesn’t have to stay a problem for long.
Once you’ve suspected your home has rats, you should inspect your living space to locate the problem. Rats make homes in soft insulation found within attic spaces as well as lofts. They can also be found in kitchens and laundry rooms where they may have made possible entrance through gaps in the pipework. Lastly, crawl spaces and suspended ceilings are top places rats like to hide so if you’re able to access them safely, be sure to inspect those areas first.
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