Norway rats are spread all over the world, bothering homeowners on almost every continent. Despite this, you still have a lot of myths circulating about these animals, particularly when it comes to pest control. Let’s take a look and debunk some of these myths so that you can be more effective when dealing with Norway rat infestations.
Rats carry fewer diseases today
This myth comes from the idea that today, sanitary conditions have improved vastly. However, rats still travel through sewers, rummage through trash, and carry parasites that are filled with diseases, so they are still able to spread a wide variety of diseases including salmonella, trichinosis, and even the plague, although this disease is much rarer. So rats today carry just about as many diseases as they always have.
You can touch a rat
You might’ve heard that rats are becoming pets, with people caring for them as if they were dogs or cats. This leads to the mistaken impression that all rats are somewhat friendly to humans. However, wild rats are just as vicious and unpredictable as they’ve always been, and they may bite or scratch if they feel cornered. On top of that, they still carry diseases that can be spread through direct contact, so it’s best that you never touch a live rat, and that if you have to touch a dead rat to remove its corpse, you wear protective gloves.
Rats only infest run-down areas
A common misconception about Norway rats is that they are only found in run-down and unkept locations. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Rats have evolved to live alongside humans, and they see our settlements as sources of food. No matter how clean your home is, if the exterior walls have gaps in them, rats will want to gain entry and look for food, water, and shelter.
Rats love cheese
This myth was spawned by children’s cartoons. However, while rats do eat cheese if it’s available, it is not at the top of their priority list. They are much more attracted to peanut butter, chocolate, and even meat.
If you notice that you have rats in your home, you will have to get rid of them as soon as possible, before they manage to spread disease or cause damage to the insulation or the electrical system. Contact us today if you notice the signs of a rat infestation, and we can set up a pest control appointment.
