The Black Rat Attacks Wisconsin
The black rat, or Rattus rattus, is an old-world rat. An old-world rat is a rat species that originated in Eurasia or Africa. They are not native to the Americas (like new-world rats.) This invasive species is so common now that labels such as a “ship rat,” “roof rat,” and “attic rat” are all popular nicknames for the black rat. With all these different names, it is evident that the black rat is a massive issue in many various places.
Most people never notice an infestation until the property is overrunning with black rat nests. That’s because black rats hide above in attics or undisturbed shelter areas like the garages and even basements. Once they intrude on your property, black rats find the luxury that the outside world doesn’t offer and often stay forever. There is no overnight fix with a black rat infestation; we do not recommend Do-It-Yourself (D.I.Y.) solutions with rat control. The only way to rid your house from these invasive rodents is to call MasterGuard Pest Control, Inc. and let the professionals remove your problems for good.
The Rat Lifestyle and Why They Enter Homes
The life span of a black rat is only a year. To compensate for this, they multiply fast to keep their family thriving. Black rats produce up to a dozen litters a year, with at least six to dozen pups per litter. They are very social animals, often hunting in groups protecting the family. They go to our homes because of our floral gardens providing plenty of their favorite food such as seeds, slugs, and snails. However, any black rat will eat just about anything because they are omnivorous. Black rats will have litter within the flowers to protect against predators and have plenty of food for their young. Unfortunately, in colder months, if there is an entryway that is the opening size of a quarter, rats will enter. Chewing holes in your roof are often their first entry point. Most people never notice them at first, because the black rat is very sneaky and mostly silent.
Wisconsin Rat Control
MasterGuard Pest Control Inc.
Currently, Milwaukee rat problems are an issue in specific areas, and the city is trying to control the situation by baiting hotspots. However, rats outsmart bait traps once they feel that danger is present and move to new areas. The best rat control is prevention – brown and black rats are challenging to get rid of once they have established residence.
Most mammals in Wisconsin want nothing to do with humans, let alone going near are homes. Over seventy mammals live in nature right outside our door but are native to this land and can adapt to our seasonal weather. Other mammal species are not native but introduced like the brown and black rat and the house mouse. These three rodents are not well-adapted to deal with extreme cold and prefer warm shelter to survive in Winter months.
Rats Are Not Safe
Even though pet stores may have rats as pets, and some may even consider rats as cute. A rat infestation is not something you want in your home because:
- Food is not safe to eat once rats made contact. See diseases that rats can spread below.
- The structure of the property becomes at risk. Black rats chew due to the nonstop growing of their front incisors. A family of rats can chew through the supporting wood structure of your home.
- Black rats are an electrical and fire hazard. Rats unknowingly gnaw straight through electrical equipment like computers and T.V.s wires and cause expensive damage and house fires.
Risks of Rodent Diseases
Diseases spread from black rats to humans and our pets through flea and tick bites or touching the sick animal’s body, urine, or feces. Once you are showing signs of illness, it is necessary to get medical help right away. There are significant diseases that black rats carry.
Toxoplasmosis
The disease toxoplasmosis is a severe illness. The parasite, toxoplasma gondii, infects most warm-blooded animals. The parasite causes tissue cysts and mainly infects cats, but humans as well. Luckily, however, treatment is available. Even in worst cases, treatment is performed with transfusions and organ transplants and is curable with no long-lasting side effects.
Weil’s Disease
Weil’s disease, also known as leptospirosis, can feel like the flu, with chills, fever, and joint pain. When you come in contact with black rat nests, urine, and feces, is not safe and dangerous when cleaning up. Coming in contact with and disposing of black rat urine and feces is how to transmit the Weil’s disease.
Rat-Bite Fever (RBF)
With any rodent illness, rat-bite fever can be fatal when not addressing the injury. Medical attention for prescribing antibiotics will be necessary. Symptoms consist of fever, rash, and body aches, so it is hard to tell if it’s the flu or not. Any chances of rodents in your area, let your doctor know of this.
Hantavirus
The chances of contracting Hantavirus are a big chance with a massive black rat infestation on your property. Transmitting from rodents to humans comes from eating toxic food with black rat saliva, urine, and feces.
Haver Fever
Haver Fever is a type of RBF common bacteria that rodents and a black rat carry. A black rat spreads this bacteria to humans and pets by touching our food, beverages, and even water.
Unhygienic Disasters Caused By Rats
Cleaning up after the rats’ mess is extremely dangerous. Always wear proper gear for cleaning, so you are not infecting yourself. When dealing with multiple nests, droppings, and urine-covered areas in a short amount of time with a rat infestation, it is easy to overlook crucial safety hazards. Never vacuum or sweep after messes left by rodents. Once you breathe in the harmful airborne diseases, illnesses often follow. Spray with cleaner and wipe up with protective clothing and footwear.
Rodent Clean Up Must-Haves:
- Face Mask
- Chemical resistant gloves
- Disinfectant Cleaning solution
- Paper towels or disposable rags – do not reuse these rags!
Contacting MasterGuard Pest Control, Inc. of riding your home of black rats will be the best decision for the health and safety of your family. Please fill out our form or give our office a call during our business hours. If we are not in, leave a message, and we will get back to right away the next business day.