How to Prevent a Rat Infestation

The most common rat found near settlements in North America is the Rattus norvegicus or Norwegian brown rat. Minus the tail, it can grow up to 10 inches long and weigh around 10 oz though larger specimens have been found. Since brown rats make their homes with us, they are a major health concern. Rats can damage your property when they make nests and scavenge for food. These are serious problems but a more pressing concern is their waste. Rat urine and droppings can contaminate our food and water supplies which can cause adverse affects on the immune system. Rats are known to transmit many types of diseases including viral hemorrhagic fever and leptospirosis. A female brown rat can produce 5 litters with 8 - 10 pups every year

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