Recently we have received a very high number of calls about rats. Many of the callers are from the Conejo Valley. Rest assured if you have a rat problem, you are not alone.

According to the UC IPM website:

“Rats are some of the most troublesome and damaging rodents in the United States. They consume and contaminate food, damage structures and property, and transmit parasites and diseases to other animals and humans. Rats live and thrive under a wide variety of climates and conditions; they are often found in and around homes and other buildings, farms, gardens, and open fields.”

While people do not often see the rodents themselves, it is suggested people check for signs of rats.  When aware of what to look for, their presence can be discovered early.

Also from the UC IPM website:

“Because rats are active throughout the year, periodically check for signs of their presence. Once rats have invaded your garden or landscaping, unless your house is truly rodent proof, it is only a matter of time before you find evidence of them indoors. Experience has shown it is less time consuming to control rodents before their numbers get too high, and fewer traps and less bait will be required if control is started early.”

To learn how to identify the two most troublesome rats in our state, spot an infestation, learn about their biology and behavior, the damage they can cause, and ways to manage them, click here.

Norway rat. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.

Roof rat. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.