Facts About Rodents

Life Cycle

In captivity rats may live for three or more years, but wild rats in urban areas normally live only five to twelve months. Because rats are prolific breeders, rodent control measures must include the elimination of food, water and spaces necessary for them to carry on the breeding process.    

See Tips for Home Rodent Control to learn how you can minimize rodents in your home.

Health Impact

Rodent feces and urine are can cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans, including E-coli infections, and respiratory diseases such as Hantavirus. Historically rat fleas have been an important agent of transmission for Plague and Murine typhus.