Beware of Rats’ Sneaky Behavior In The Colder Months

It is true that most small mammals like hamsters, bats, chipmunks, and dormice hibernate during winter. This is a survival tactic that helps them avoid freezing temperatures. For this to happen, they ensure they have enough supplies to last them the whole winter season. However, although categorized as small mammals, rats do not necessarily go into a season of inactivity. In fact, with the somewhat “warmer” winter this year, you may want to be more cautious about the presence of pests, namely rats, in or around your home. This post will furnish you with relevant details.

They are Survivors

Interestingly, rats have a way of working around weather conditions. Unlike their rodent counterparts, they have an amazing ability to beat odd conditions. What’s worse, there seems to be nowhere that is too harsh for their existence. Find out more in the following post…

Rats are excellent survivors and can create a nest almost anywhere. However, these industrious creatures prefer nesting in homes or buildings where it is dry and warm. But, they will dig burrows if they have no other options. Surprisingly, these animals are strong diggers and create small dens to build their nests and store food. Rats often build their nests under walls and near electrical lines going into homes.

These animals also sometimes create winter food reserves. To maintain their body weight and temperature during the colder months, rats must eat more significant volumes of food, sometimes doubling their regular intake. During the fall, they also become more active and gather food to store in their burrows or nests. Rats do this to conserve energy during winter. By having food stores, they do not need to leave their nests. For domesticated rats, it is the opposite. They neither burrow nor create winter food reserves as they have a warm nest indoors and a constant food source. Read more at A-Z Animals

They Are Detectable

It goes without saying that you have no desire to share your home with several litters of rat babies just when spring is coming around. Rats are not just a nuisance, but also a health threat. The good thing is, if you’re wondering how to detect the presence of rats, there are tell-tale signs to check for. Here are some of them:

How to Spot a Rat Infestation

Because rats still come out in the winter, you need to be on the lookout for signs of an infestation in the colder months like:

· Signs of gnawing on boxes, food stuffs, and other stored items;

· Damage to cables and wires where rats have chewed through;

· Droppings near skirting boards and in cupboards;

· Piles of cardboard, fabric, or shredded paper which they’ve collected to make a nest;

· An unpleasant stale smell. Read more at Contego Response

They Multiply Quickly

You may assume that rodent activity will be at the bare minimum during the winter months. This is not always the case. Moreover, most rodents are guilty of multiplying quickly. Rats are no different. You may want to be a tad more careful about rat infestation this cold season and here’s why:

While rats can breed all year long, they are most likely to nest in homes or other warm places during the winter. This can sometimes lead to small “baby booms.” While you may not notice it in the colder months, once the weather begins to warm you’ll certainly know these pests weren’t hibernating all winter. As such, you can expect an increase in activity during the spring and summer months as the baby rats become adults.

Norway rats and roof rats will typically have two litters per year with anywhere from four to eight babies per litter. Pack rats will typically have one litter per year with four to six babies. The baby rats are born naked and blind and will be fully grown in just a few months time.Of course, the best offense is a good defense! Homeowners should be aware of these common rat behaviors in order to best deal with them before they become a major infestation. Read more at Zunex Pest Control

You can rest easy, however, if you engage the experts in rodent control. Backyard Bug Patrol is your ultimate solution provider if you are looking for a good defense against rodent infestation in your home and yard. Check out our perimeter rodent control program and reach out to us for any inquiries. We look forward to serving you efficiently. Call us today!