Photo: Pixabay

What is the natural predator 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

Do I need planning permission to drop a kerb?

You will need planning permission before you can apply for a dropped kerb if you live on a classified road.

Last updated Oct 3, 2021

How thick should shed walls be?

On the shed walls use exterior rated 1/2 inch plywood for a waterproof finished look, and 3/4 inch CDX plywood on the roof for strength.

Last updated Jul 12, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

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.

How close to a wall can you put a 2 post lift?

If your lift has asymmetric arms, then we recommend the center of the columns should be set about 9-10 feet off the front wall. If your lift has...

Last updated Mar 4, 2019

What kind of roof lasts the longest?

Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like...

Last updated Apr 29, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What kind of screws do you use for grounding?

Ground screws must be -32 thread pitch or finer, and must be threaded into the metal box. 10-32 is the "conventional" size. And most metal boxes have a hole tapped for a #10-32 screw for precisely that purpose.

diy.stackexchange.com - Metal Junction Box screwed to wood - same screw used for grounding

Ground screws do not need to be green.

Though they sell some very cute green ones ten for a buck if you want them to be green. Ground screws must be -32 thread pitch or finer, and must be threaded into the metal box. 10-32 is the "conventional" size. And most metal boxes have a hole tapped for a #10-32 screw for precisely that purpose. This is visible as a hole slightly smaller than the normal mounting holes. If you can't find it for love or money, likely someone has driven the physical mounting screw into that hole. Better boxes try to help deter this by putting the ground screw on a stamped "bung". That also gives the ground screw a place to go besides straight into the wall, but if someone misused the hole for a mounting screw, that problem will be solved :)

How do you anchor a garden shed?

How to Properly Anchor a Shed: The Only Guide You Need Drill or dig the holes, tamp some gravel into the bottom. Slide a sonotube in to form it up....

Last updated Jul 4, 2020