DID YOU KNOW?
Worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of rodents, through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, or through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks, mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.
Where do rats live outside?
•Under wood piles or lumber that is not being used often.
•Under bushes, vines and in tall grass that isn’t trimmed or cut back.
•Under rocks in the garden.
•In cars, appliances and furniture that has been put outside and is no longer being used.
•In and around trash and garbage that has been left on the ground.
•In holes under buildings.
Where do rats live inside the home?
•In the insulation of walls or ceilings.
•Inside the crawl spaces.
•Behind or under cupboards, counters, bathtubs and shower stalls.
•Near hot water heaters and furnaces.
•In basements, attics and wherever things are stored in boxes, paper or cloth.
What do rats eat when they get inside the house?
•THE SAME FOODS WE DO!
•Foods, fats, oils that have been spilled and left on counters, floors, appliances and tables.
•Grains, like cereal, oats, rice and vegetables like potatoes and carrots that are in cardboard boxes and plastic bags.
•Pet food in boxes or bags.
•Any garbage that is not in a can with a tight lid.