Rodent Infestations in North Texas: A Concerning Reality

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No area of North Texas is immune to rodent infestations. Grocery stores, mobile homes, schools, and community centers are being invaded by rats that are finding the warm weather and ample food supply in our area very pleasing. When you contact a rodent exterminator Keller, you will learn that when we plant fruit and nut trees, hang bird feeders, install outdoor kitchens and plant dense shrubbery, we are laying out a virtual welcome mat for these disease-carrying pests. What kinds of rats are we attracting to our area? Roof rats. These rodents have smooth black or brown fur and can grow to a length of 15” or more. They have large eyes and ears, a long tail and a pointed nose. They are prodigious breeders who can nest almost anywhere but, as their name suggests, they are excellent climbers who are often found in the upper parts of structures. Roof rats can …show more content…

Roof rats have carried Bubonic plague, trichinosis and rat bite fever. If they come into contact with food or food preparation areas, they can cause food poisoning. Norway rats. Norway rats are large - they can weigh over a pound and grow to over 24” in length including their tails. These rats are covered in shaggy brown or gray fur. Their ears and tails are covered in scales. Inside of buildings, they prefer basements, crawlspaces and attics. Norway rats prefer a diet of fresh food when possible - grains, meat, fish and nuts. The signs of a Norway rat infestation include droppings and urine stains. They can leave track marks if they walk through a dusty or dirty area and leave chew marks on food, structures and other objects. Often, you may hear noises in the walls - squeaking, clawing and gnawing are common. Norway rats transmit, with the exception of the plague, many of the same diseases that roof rats do. Rat urine is responsible for the spread of leptospirosis, which can damage your liver and

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