Rats are much less picky when it comes to food. Rats are scavengers that have been known to eat everything from meat and grain to garbage and sewage. Norway rats, in particular, are often found in sewers and landfills. To avoid rats and mice, keep your yard free from food, trash, and debris. It is also a good idea to keep pet food and water inside at night so that you don’t attract rats. Rats are larger than mice, so they also require more water. Mice can get most of their water needs through their food, but rats need a water source. Getting rid of excess moisture in and around your home can help keep rats and other pests away.
Habitat Preferences
Both rats and mice are very comfortable living around people and have done so for thousands of years. That being said, it is much more common to find mice living indoors. Mice may spend their whole life in a home or building. They will live, nest, and find food indoors. Common places to find mouse nests indoors include: attics, basements, closets, and under appliances.
Rats also enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. They may occasionally nest inside, but it is much more common for them to nest outdoors and enter buildings when the need arises. The two main species of pest rats have different preferences for living. Norway rats are larger and are most often found underground or at ground level. They nest in burrows, and since they are great swimmers, they like to live near rivers or other water sources.
Black rats (AKA roof rats) are smaller than their cousins, so they are more agile. These rats are excellent climbers and will often spend time in trees. Black rats will enter homes through the roof or eaves. If you are trying to avoid roof rats, keep your trees and shrubs neatly trimmed, and make sure the exterior of your home is sealed.
Rodent Control in Toronto
If you are struggling with rats or mice, understanding some of these preferences can help you develop a good plan for getting rid of them. You can also hire a professional to help you solve the problem. The experts at GTA Toronto Pest Control know how to identify, prevent, and exterminate the rodents that are causing you problems. As your Toronto pest control experts, contact GTA Toronto Pest Control today.
