Rats in Maine: Types, Facts, and Tips for Homeowners
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Maine is home to several different types of rodents, including rats. These furry creatures can be a nuisance for homeowners, particularly if they invade your home in search of food or shelter. Rats can also carry diseases, which makes them a health concern as well.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of rats found in Maine, some facts about these animals, and tips for preventing them from entering your home.
The 2 Types of Rats in Maine
1. Norway Rat
| Scientific Name: | Rattus norvegicus |
| Length: | Up to 18 inches |
| Notable Features: | Brown/gray fur |
The Norway rat, also called the brown rat, is one of the most common types of rat in Maine. These rats are large, with adults averaging 18 inches in length (including the tail) and weighing up to 12 ounces.
Norway rats are brown or reddish-brown in color, with a light gray or white underside. The ears and tail are relatively short, and the eyes are small.
Norway rats are good swimmers and climbers, and they can squeeze through very small openings—as small as a half-inch in diameter. They live in a variety of environments, including urban areas, rural areas, and even on ships. These rats typically nest in burrows or in other sheltered locations, such as beneath buildings.
Norway rats are omnivorous and will eat a wide variety of foods. They are particularly fond of meat and cereals, but they will also eat nuts, fruits, and vegetables. These rats typically forage for food at night.
2. Roof Rat
| Scientific Name: | Rattus rattus |
| Length: | Up to 18 inches |
| Notable Features: | Black fur, long tail |
The roof rat is the second-most common rat in Maine. These rats are also called black rats, ship rats, or house rats. They are distinguished from other rats by their long tail and black fur. Roof rats typically weigh between 5 and 9 ounces and can grow up to 18 inches long, including their tail.
Roof rats are excellent climbers and often build their nests in high places, such as in the rafters of a house or in trees. They are also good swimmers and have been known to enter homes through sewer lines or other openings that lead to water.
Roof rats are omnivorous, meaning they will eat almost anything. Their diet typically consists of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and insects.
- Gnaw marks on food packages or containers
- Droppings in cupboards or on countertops
- Nests made from shredded paper or other materials
- Scratching noises coming from walls, attics, or other high places
If you suspect you have a roof rat infestation, it’s important to contact a pest control professional right away. These rats can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as the bubonic plague and typhus. They can also cause damage to your home by chewing on wires and insulation.
Facts About Maine Rats
There are two main types of rats that live in Maine: Norway and Roof rats. Norway rats are also called brown rats or sewer rats. They are about the same size as roof rats. However, their bodies are longer than their tails.
Roof rats are also called black rats. They are virtually the opposite of Norway rats, with shorter bodies and longer tails.
Maine has a lot of forested areas, which means there are a lot of trees for rats to climb. Roof rats are excellent climbers, and they often live in trees or on top of buildings. Norway rats are not as good at climbing, so they tend to live in burrows underground.
Maine is also home to a lot of small mammals, such as mice and voles. These animals are a food source for rats, so you may find rats near areas where there are a lot of small mammals.
Rats are attracted to food sources, so you may find them in your kitchen or pantry. They are also attracted to garbage, so you may find them near your trash can. If you have a rat problem, you should clean up any food sources and seal any holes that rats could use to enter your home.
Tips for Homeowners
If you think you have a rat problem in your home, the first step is to contact a pest control professional. Pest control professionals can help identify the type of rat present and develop a treatment plan.
- Seal up any cracks or holes on the exterior of your home
- Remove potential food and water sources, such as garbage, pet food, and standing water
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris
- Trim back trees and shrubs to eliminate potential hiding spots for rats
If you have rats in your home, it is important to take steps to get rid of them and prevent them from returning. Rats can carry diseases and cause damage to your home, so it is important to take action as soon as possible.
Pest control professionals can help you get rid of rats in your home and prevent them from returning. Contact a pest control professional today to learn more about rat control options.
Preventative Steps
One of the best approaches to take when it comes to preventing rats is to make your home as unappealing and inaccessible to them as possible. Prevention goes a long way.
- Inspect your home regularly for any potential entry points that rats could use to get inside. Pay close attention to areas around utility lines and pipes, as well as cracks and holes in walls and foundations.
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris, including firewood, trash, and cluttered storage areas.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage properly.
Remember, if you suspect you have rats on your property, contact a professional pest control company for assistance. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of getting rid of your pest problem.
Conclusion
Rats are no laughing matter. These pests cause serious damage to property and pose a risk to human health. If you suspect you have a rat problem, call a professional exterminator immediately.
In the meantime, take steps as outlined above to prevent rats from entering your home in the first place. So be sure to seal up any cracks or holes, eliminate food sources, and keep your property clean and clutter-free. With diligence and effort, you can keep rats at bay.
See also:
- Rats in New Jersey: Types, Facts and Tips for Homeowners
- Rats in Indiana: Types, Facts, and Tips for Homeowners
Featured Image Credit: Holger Kirk, Shutterstock
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