Summit County, Akron Rat Control Situation:
Thank you for your generously informative and amusing website. I have a medium-sized brown rat living behind my fridge. This evening, I moved the fridge away from the wall, so that, at worst, my cat can intimidate the rat. The rat ran into an under-sink cupboard which never closed properly, but I have secured it. Maybe the rat won't come back out! If the rat returns, I'd like to set a Victor trap, but fear that my cat might break a leg or paw. Also, for 7 years, I've left dry food out for my cat all day (she's not fat), and hate to change my (her) habits. But this is what the rat has been living on, as I discovered when I did a preliminary cleaning behind the fridge. Any ideas? Thank you for your consideration..
David, Hi, I read lots of info on your website, and thank you for putting it out there for us. I know a lady who has had rats in her attic for several years. She has done nothing toward getting them out. As a means of bartering with her, I am trying to help her out. So, one day I got on the roof and cut down all of the tree limbs that the rats were using as ladders to get up there. One company told me they will not come out for less than $175 for that service. So I guess I have credit for at least that much. Now, what I need to know is this: She needs a serious clean up in the attic. The rats were living and nesting in there, and I need to know the value of putting the traps in and doing the cleaning. So, can you tell me what that is worth? I know you are in another area, but I am sure that the cost would be similar, as I am in Akron Ohio. I have other questions, but don't want to ask for too much now. Thank you, and please let me know the hourly rate of these services. Have a nice day---blaire
Akron Rat Control Tip of The Week
What Is The Largest Size A Rat Can Get To Be?
With an average lifespan of about 2 - 3 years, some species of rats can grow as large as 4 pounds. But on average, almost all rats are bigger than mice. Also, the size of a rat fairly depends on the specie and the sex of the rat. Male rats usually are larger than females. They have a longer body frame with tails as long as their body and can grow as big as 2 lbs.
Domesticated rats usually do better when it comes to size mainly because they are provided with all they need to grow properly and healthily. For pet rats, an adult rat can grow to a length of 9 to 11 inches with a tail length of 7 to 9 inches. If properly managed, some large species of rats can even grow as long as 20 inches. It all depends on how well the rats are being managed and taken care of.
One of the most fascinating thing about rats is that having a large body size doesn't mean they won't be able to pass through small openings and enter into your home. Rats can compress their body in order to be able to pass through small openings. Provided the opening is wide enough to allow the easy passage of its head, it will pass through. Therefore, you shouldn't consider the fact that the rats in your neighborhood are too big to gain access to your home through small openings. Instead, you need to seal all small openings up as soon as possible to avoid a rat infestation.
When it comes to rats with large sizes, the Bosavi woolly rat is one of a kind. This specie of rat can weigh up to 3.5 lbs. and grow as long as 32 inches. Although, this particular specie of rat can only be found in volcanic caves.