What is the natural enemy of rats?

Famously, birds of prey feed on mice and rats. Raptors, including hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, are common predators. Red tail hawks, found across most of North America, and American kestrels, the smallest falcon in North America, will hunt rats by day.

terminix.com - What Are Some Enemies and Predators of Rats? - Terminix

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Rats might be one of the most famous pests around. Not only are they unsanitary, at times carrying pathogens that can cause diseases like rat-bite fever, leptospirosis or salmonellosis, but if they get inside your home, they can cause destruction by chewing on wires and insulation. They also reproduce rapidly, making them difficult to control. Like all other creatures in nature, though, rats do have some natural predators. Read on to find out more about some of the most common enemies of rats.

Animals that Prey on Rats

Cats

It’s no secret that cats, especially wild cats like bobcats and mountain lions, hunt rodents. Domestic cats may or may not hunt or play with mice and rats. In fact, many major urban areas experiencing rat problems are enlisting feral cats to hunt the rodents and help keep populations under control.

Birds of Prey

Snakes

The basic snake diet includes birds, eggs and, yes, rodents. Most species of snake will eat small mammals, including mice, rats and squirrels. Rat snakes, which are very common in the Southeastern United States but can be found as far north as New England and Michigan, frequently prey on rats, as their name suggests. These snakes can be found in urban areas and frequently inhabit abandoned buildings and barns, where rats may be found. They kill their prey by constriction, and fortunately for humans, they are generally harmless and prefer to avoid confrontation.

Weasels

The long-tailed weasel has a range extending across most of North America, extending as far north as Canada and as far south as Central America. These long, feisty mammals are quick and efficient hunters, feeding primarily on small rodents, including rats. They hunt by tracking their prey’s scent and sound, and while they can hunt during the day, they are most active at night. Weasels are especially helpful to farmers because of their ability to help control rat and mice populations.

Can These Predators Get Inside Your House?

Obviously, if you own a domesticated cat, you already have one of these predators in your home. While the chances of a bird of prey finding its way inside are incredibly slim, barn owls do nest in barns and other buildings. Snakes and weasels are limber, and it’s possible that if you have rats in your home, these animals may come inside. Snakes are excellent climbers and can fit through small spaces, and the long-tailed weasel’s flexible back allows it to fit into small spaces like rodent burrows. If you’re concerned about these animals in your home, check the areas where rodents may commonly be found, including attics and crawl spaces. Rats, like mice, can also live behind walls, so pay attention to any scurrying or scratching sounds you hear. Other signs of a rodent infestation include:

Droppings

Food packages, plastic or wooden utensils covered in bite marks

Nests made of shredded paper or insulation

Disturbed insulation

Ducts or wiring that have been chewed

For a variety of reasons, and because do-it-yourself methods of removal may be ineffective, rodent control should be left to the professionals. Terminix® offers FREE inspections and preventive solutions to help get and keep rats out of your home.

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What animal are rats most afraid of?

Rats are afraid of human activity, mostly because humans are so much larger than they are. Rats also fear predators such as hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey. Other animals that rats are afraid of include your cat as well as rat terriers and other dogs that hunt rodents.

petrispestcontrol.com - What are rats afraid of? - Petri Pest Control Services

Well, we know humans are often afraid of rats but the reverse is also true. Rats are afraid of human activity, mostly because humans are so much larger than they are. Rats also fear predators such as hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey. Other animals that rats are afraid of include your cat as well as rat terriers and other dogs that hunt rodents. Rats fear becoming a meal for a snake. Weasels and rodents are also fond of and agile enough to chase rats around your house and get into tight spaces where rats can hide. Neophobic by nature, rats are afraid to try new things, making it difficult to control them with baits. Rats cannot tolerate smells such as ammonia, mothballs, peppermint oil, crushed cayenne pepper, and pepper spray due to their intensified sense of smell. Clean and uncluttered homes and yards scare rats due to the lack of food and places to hide, as well. Rats are not happy when the holes, cracks, and crevices in your foundation and entryways are sealed off, excluding them from your home. Rats are afraid of loud noises as they have excellent hearing. Rats may not register fear at the sight of a pest control technician in your attic, home, or yard but they should, as you need to contact a professional pest control company to eliminate rats if you suspect you may have rat activity in your Broward County or Palm Beach County home or business. Rat activity that is not properly addressed promptly can lead to structural damage of your property as rats can chew through wood, cinder blocks, aluminum, and more – call us today!

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