In Australia, the black rat (Rattus rattus) is well-known. It feels right at home in cities and they won’t mind moving in with you as long as food sources are always available. We’ve compiled some crucial black rat facts to assist you to identify and comprehend this species’ behavior. Continue reading to find out Are Black Rats Are Dangerous and why! Also, call (773) 945-0727 for a free pest estimate and some of our roof rat control methods!
How To Spot A Black Rat
Despite its name, the black rat is not always black. Its fur can range from black to brown or gray depending on the species.
The black rat, unlike other rats, has distinguishing traits that can help you recognize it quickly. The ears, like the hue, are easily distinguished. They’re slimmer and longer. The head is also slightly longer than usual, and the tail is larger than the body.
What do they eat? How do they get in?
The food of the black rat is varied. They can eat almost whatever you consume, but they can be finicky eaters at times. They love fruits and seeds, but can also eat farm products and small birds. Black rats are usually active at night, looking for food, even though they strive to feed on sight as rapidly as possible. When that is not an option, they will conceal their supplies for later use.
Because black rats are adept climbers, they prefer to nest on rooftops, trees, and holes near farms.
Qualities
Black rats have acute senses of smell, taste, and touch. They have acute hearing, frequently communicate with ultrasound, and are especially alert to any unexpected noise. Both species reproduce quickly and reach sexual maturity in around three months.
Each female can produce between six and eight young in a year, ranging from 3 to 12 liters. Rats gnaw to wear down their continually growing incisor teeth. They deteriorate timber, plastic, and brickwork, while lead pipes remove insulation from electrical lines.
Why should Black Rats be controlled?
- Many dangerous diseases are carried by black rats and can be transmitted to people by their urine. Leptospirosis or Weil’s illness, Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma gondii, and Hantavirus are a few examples.
- Black Rats can cause significant structural damage. They can start fires by chewing through the insulation around electrical cables, flood by puncturing pipes, and even die by biting through gas lines which is one of the most urgent rat control reasons.
- A company’s reputation can be ruined by Black Rats. Clients and customers are hesitant to conduct business with you if they discover evidence of rodent infestation in the properties you manage.
- Property owners are required by the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep facilities free of rats and mice or to report infestations to the local authorities if they pose a threat to health or property.
Are Black Rats a Threat?
These rats are widely distributed around Chicago. They outnumber brown rats, posing a major threat to houses and families.
Black rats are incredibly adaptive. They will reproduce and thrive in metropolitan environments if left alone, as long as food and water are available.
Bacteria can be easily transmitted by the species. Diseases such as Hantavirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae can be transmitted by black rats. So, if you have even the slightest suspicion that you have black rats in your home, it is better to have a competent pest controller, such as AND Exterminators, investigate it. For assistance with your black rat infestation and detection of Black Rats VS Brown Rats, call (773) 945-0727 or visit our website!
