All About Rats and Mice... General Rat and Mouse Facts The two most common species of rats are the Norway (brown) rat and the Roof (black) ra t. Mice are much smaller than rats and include a variety of species. Contaminating food and destroying property, rats and mice have been a problem for homeowners for centuries. In fact, the words mouse actually means “little thief”. In addition to this destruction, they are also disease carriers and can spread serious illness through to people and pets. More» Rat and Mouse Reproduction
 Rats can have anywhere from 4-12 pups per litter and 3-7 litters per year depending on the species of rat. Within their lifespans, which can be up to 3 years, these rats can have dozens of offspring who are themselves ready to breed in 2 - 6 months. In addition, most rats can breed all year long. No wonder rats are the second most numerous mammals on earth, next to humans! More» Rat Habitat The two most common species of rats are the Norway or brown rat and the Roof or black rat. Norway Rats can be found throughout the US and Canada, residing in sewers, basements, back alleys, parks, abandoned properties and lower portions of buildings. Roof Rats can be found in cities near the coasts, preferring attics, ceilings, or wall areas in upper portions of buildings. They are smaller than the 16” long Norway Rat. More» Rat and Mouse Diet  The diet of rats and mice varies with the species, although most of these rodents eat meats, seeds and fruits. Mice will also eat insects. Of course, they are all happy to eat seeds spilled from bird feeders as well as pet food left outdoors, so caution should be used if you suspect rodents may be nearby.
Rat and Mouse Control Options Rodent repellent granules, rat & mouse traps, rodenticides, electronic rodent repellents and prevention are all methods of rodent control.  Granular Rodent Repellent Products Dr. T’s Nature Products® Rat-A-Way™, rodent repellent granules usually work by affecting the rat or mouse's sense of smell and taste. In addition, rodent repellent products such as Rat-A-Way™ raise the level of carbon dioxide in their blood, confusing the animal. More» Other - Traps, Rodenticides and Electronic Repellents
Other methods of rodent control include live catch traps, snap traps, rodenticides, and electronic rodent repellents.
Prevention
Sanitation efforts in conjunction with rodent proofing provide the best rodent control solution to reduce or completely eliminate conditions that attract rats and mice.  Sealing off cracks, holes, and other openings in the foundation of your home will help prevent rodents from entering your home. These rodents only need a very small opening to enter your home. Carefully storing your food and eliminating clutter in and around your home will also go a long way in rodent control. More»
Ask Dr. T's...About Rats and Mice and Their Control Q: What are some signs that I have rats or mice in my house? A: Droppings, gnaw marks, and urine or musty odors are just a few signs of rat and mouse activity.
Q: What are some of the diseases caused by rats and mice?  A: Some of the diseases caused by rodents include bubonic plague, salmonella, leptospirosis, Hantavirus and tularemia. Unfortunately there have been human fatalities from these diseases even here in the United States.
Q: How long can a rat or mouse live? A: Rats can live up to 3 years and mice can live up to 2 years. More»
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