Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
The greater Seattle area has a lot to offer, from the views of the water to the mild summers. Unfortunately, these conditions make it an attractive home to rats and other rodents. Many of us have had to protect our homes and businesses from rats for years, but what do you really know about rats beyond the damage they can cause to your space?
At Cascade Pest Control, we pride ourselves on learning the uncommon behaviors and traits of rats, mice, and other household pests to protect your home or business best. For rat control, in particular, understanding what you’re dealing with is essential to being able to keep them out of your home permanently.
Here are some unusual facts and unique rat behaviors to know and to keep these pesky critters from coming into your home or business.
Fun Facts About Rats
For most home and business owners, rats are public enemy number one, and for good reason. They carry disease, cause damage, and spread filth. While learning more about them might gross you out, it’s a helpful tool for rat control. Here are our favorite interesting facts about rats:
Rats laugh and express happiness
If you have ever observed a rat nest, you might hear small, high-pitched squeaks as they play together. This is how rats laugh, and they are known to do so when they interact with other rats, so if you hear it, you might have a nest on your hands. In addition, you can tell how happy a rat is by the color of their ears. A rat with pink ears is happier than one with more flesh-toned ones. Doesn’t that just tickle you pink?
Rats can become depressed.
Some don’t realize that rats are very social creatures. They can become lonely and sad if left alone or without others to socialize with. Unfortunately, this also means that where there’s one rat, you more than likely have at least one other one nearby.
Rats don’t sweat.
Unlike humans and most other mammals, rats don’t perspire from their pores or regulate their temperature by panting. Instead, they constrict and expand the blood vessels in their tail to cool themselves off. In addition to providing balance, their tails cool the rats off! Who knew?!?
Rats have positive connotations in other cultures
While rats have a checkered reputation in our Western culture, many Eastern cultures have positive associations with them. Those born in the year of the rat can be described as creative, intelligent, and generous.
Rats have excellent memories.
This contributes to them being animals of habit. Rats tend to stick to the same route to get to where they need to go. You can use this to your advantage if you’re interested in catching them in the act or setting some traps.
Rats are adept swimmers.
As intensely disconcerting as this is, rats can tread water for days and can hold their breath for several minutes. They are very comfortable near water and can even swim up your plumbing to gain access to your space.
Rats’ teeth don’t stop growing.
Ever wondered why rats enjoy chewing through wires or the siding of your home? It isn’t only to get obstacles out of their way. Chewing through rigid materials files down their front teeth so they don’t get too long as they teeth continue to grow throughout their lives.
Rats can have one litter with multiple fathers.
In a phenomenon known as superfecundation, a female rat in heat may have multiple partners, resulting in a litter of pups with multiple fathers. And it’s not as unusual as you might think. Other mammals, like dogs, cats, and even cows, also experience this.
Rats can’t vomit
According to scientists, rats are biologically unable to vomit. They do not have the muscles and anatomical features necessary to provoke the emetic reflex. While other mammals can, many rats and mice seem to lack this behavior. So, if rats do ingest posion they are unable to regurgitate and purge themselves of it.
Along with being affectionate to their own, there are many facts about rats that are surprising. Many of their habits and traits are useful tools to prevent them from entering your home or business uninvited.
Need effective rat control? Call 888-989-8979 today to get started with Cascade Pest Control.
