Watch "End The Rat Race" Video
Spanish Version "Termine Con Las Ratas: Exclusión, Atrapamiento y Cebado" Video
The first step to control rats is to educate yourself!
Rat Facts
For some people, rats can make good pets. If they are unwanted however, rats can be pests. They pollute food, spread disease, and cause damage by gnawing. Rats are most active at night. If they are seen during the day, there is a good chance there are more around your home. Rats eat all types of food, including human and pet food.
Types of Rats
Roof Rats: Roof rats are the most common type of rat in San Diego County. They like to climb, rather then burrow, and they live above ground. They are gray or brown in color.
Norway Rats: Norway rats are not commonly found in homes in San Diego County. They prefer to burrow outside and are bigger than roof rats. They come in a wide range of colors.
Wood Rats: Wood rats build nests out of sticks and debris. They are not found in homes, but some do nest in outbuildings. They are gray or brown in color.
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Rat Diseases
Rats carry and spread diseases that can harm humans and other animals:
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Plague: People can be infected with plague from fleas that feed on infected rats, or from being bitten by an infected rat.
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Food poisoning: Eating food that has been polluted with rat urine or droppings can cause food poisoning.
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Rat-bite fever: A bite from an infected rat can cause rat-bite fever.
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Parasites: Some rats can carry tapeworms.
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Signs of Rat Activity
The most common signs of a rat infestation in your home are:
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Steps to Keep Rats Out of Your Home
Printable Rat Control Brochure
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