Sewer Rats-Pest Control Downtown Portland

Rats are very common in Portland, OR.  Some pest control experts suggest that where there are people-- there are rats.  This is because rats are attracted to the food and garbage of humans and their pets.  The most common rat in the Portland/Vancouver metro area is the Norway Rat.  Although the name might suggest otherwise, the Norway Rat origins trace back to China.  The Norway Rat is also referred to as the brown rat, sewer rat, common rat, street rat, among other names.  These rats are found on all continents with the exception of Antarctica and are concentrated in the same areas as humans.  

Some common Rat Questions and Answers:

• Can rats really come up through the toilet?  Rats can swim, live in sewers and often do come up through toilets.  As disconcerting as that might be, it is true.  Keeping the toilet lids down, if you are in an area prone to sewer rats can encourage a rat to go back down the pipes in to the sewer.
• How small of a space can rats fit through-- some rats are BIG?  A rat can fit through a crack that is slightly larger than 1/2 inch-- even though they can be up to a foot long and weigh in at just under a pound.
• How common are Rats in Portland?  Rats are very common in any area that there are people-- specifically urban areas.  It has been said of Portland, that you are never very far away from a rat.
• Are rats associated with diseases?  Rats are commonly associated with many diseases and commonly carry fleas which can host other diseases.  
• Do rats jump? Yes.  Not just in theory, I have seen rats jump.

Because Rats can be associated with various diseases and other sanitation problems when they are in areas where people live and eat, it is important to give proper attention to a rat infestation as soon as it is discovered. If you suspect rats in your home or business please give Peak Pest Management LLC a call or visit the website at www.peak-pest-management.comwww.peak-pest-management.com.